Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
14 October 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Special Meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Joanna Massie and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Absent: Arnold Bjork and Shawn McDonough. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tammy Ward – Principal and Shanta Bisch-Milne – Kindergarten teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Information Item(s):
A. Bus Repairs and Possible Bus Purchase. The bus has experienced problems with the transmission/engine and has been to the repair shop. It was returned to us October 11th after the transmission control module was replaced. Due to the age of the bus and the continual cost of repairs quotes to replace the bus are in process. We have sufficient money in the Bus Depreciation Fund – along with a trade in of the current bus – to purchase a bus. An update will be provided at future meetings.
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Resignation of Custodian. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded accepting the resignation of J. Joy as received. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Approval of Hiring Process for a permanent Custodian position. As J. Joy has resigned effective last week, it is necessary to seek a replacement. Joanna Massie moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve beginning the hiring process for a permanent part-time Custodian for the 2019-2020 school year. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Extra Duty Contract for S. Milne as Substitute Custodian. We are in immediate need of an additional Substitute Custodian. Our current staff/teachers have the required pre-employment approvals in place, so to facilitate an immediate start date they have been given the opportunity to pick up this extra duty. Shanta Bisch-Milne has accepted the offer. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the Extra Duty Contract for Shanta Bisch-Milne as Substitute Custodian as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
V. V. Next Meeting Date(s):
A. A. 14 November 2019, 7:00 AM Regular Meeting
B. B. 12 December 2019, 7:00 AM Regular Meeting
VI. VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 October 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Joanna Massie and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Absent: Arnold Bjork – planned absence; Shawn McDonough – planned absence. Also, in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tammy Ward – Principal, Jen Johnson – 2nd grade teacher and Deb Christiansen – Title teacher.
II. Minutes of 12 September 2019. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Item: – nil.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure includes payroll and claims through 10 October 2019. General Fund is at 17% committed. Grand Total of all funds is at 15% committed.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 118. Building Maintenance and Facility Conditions reports were given and shared with the Board. There is a Flathead Electric Board Meeting tonight which Tami Ward will attend to present our bleacher project. Mrs. Ward will continue to work with MontanaSky regarding the landscaping at the tower site. Two teachers attended a writing professional development with consultant Kelly Boswell earlier this month; all teachers are continuing their learning on spelling instruction through continued study of the book Super Spellers; and in September Mrs. Ward and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen attended the MTSBA 2019 Back-to-School Legal Primer. The first benchmark assessments in math and reading have been completed. The safety committee for the 2019/2020 has been formed. The Education Cooperative had summer professional development offerings, many of which our teachers attended. The Special Education Cooperative hosted a benefit concert this month; Preschool services started September 16th in the new building; an offer on the old building has been received, proceeds from the sale will assist in completing renovations to the new building. J. Joy turned in his resignation as custodian this morning.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google slides presentation.
VI. Policies:
A. 5000 Series (see attached list) – 1st reading. Reviewed the policies in this series. No motion needed.
B. Substitute Custodian Job Description. Joanna Massie moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the job description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Coaching Contracts – Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball. The Coaching contract for Boys Basketball was presented. The Girls Basketball contract will be presented next month. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded the contract for Teresa Mumm as the 5th/6th grade Boys Basketball Coach for the October -December 2019 Season as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Individual Transportation Contract Approval (OPI Form TR-4). One TR-4 Individual Transportation Contract was presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the contract as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Creston School Goals. Goals for the 2019/2020 school year regarding Writing, Discipline Referrals and Math were discussed with teachers at a recent meeting and shared with the trustees by Tami Ward and Jen Johnson today. Joanna Massie moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the goals as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Educational and Therapeutic Services Agreement with Intermountain Deaconess Children’s Services. An Educational and Day Treatment Services Agreement for the 2019 – 2020 School Year between Creston School and Intermountain was presented. Joanna Massie moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Substitute Teachers List. A new hire list was given. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the list as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Transportation Contract(s) – nil.
G. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
H. Out of District Request(s). Three separate items were presented: 1) Eleven students residing in our district and parent(s)/guardian(s) choose to have the students attend another district. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreements. Motion passed unanimously. 2) Student resides in Creston School District, attending another District, this is a District to District Placement. Joanna Massie moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve this attendance agreement. Motion passed unanimously. 3) Four students living in another district and parent(s)/guardian(s) requesting Creston School as their school of choice/placement. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to approve these attendance agreements as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). One Gym use request by Pauline Davidson to use the Gym on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 3:30 – 5:00pm for a birthday party. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to accept the proposal as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims October 2019. Board approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 November 2019, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 12 December 2019, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

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CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
R = required
5000 SERIES
PERSONNEL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

R 5002 Accommodating Individuals with Disabilities and Section 504 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
R 5010 Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
R 5012 Sexual Harassment, Sexual Intimidation and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace
5012F Harassment Reporting Form for Employees
5015 Bullying/Harassment/Intimidation
5015F Harassment Reporting Form for Employees
5120 Hiring Process and Criteria
5120F Determination of Eligibility Sheet
5120F Notice of Federal Background Check Determination Form
5120P Fingerprint Background Handling Procedure
5121 Applicability of Personnel Policies
5122 Fingerprints and Criminal Background Investigations
5122F Applicant Rights and Consent to Fingerprint
5125 Whistle Blowing and Retaliation
5130 Staff Health
5140 Classified Employment and Assignment
5220 Prohibition on Aiding Sexual Abuse
R 5222 Evaluation of Certified and Classified Staff
5223 Personal Conduct
5224 Political Activity
5226 Drug-Free Workplace
R 5228 – 5228P Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus and Commercial Vehicle Drivers
5230 Prevention of Disease Transmission
5231 – 5231P Personnel Records
5232 Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
5250 Termination from Employment/Non-Renewal of Employment
5251 Resignations
5254 Payment of Employer Contributions and Interest on Previous Service
5254F Employer Payment Policy Form
5255 Disciplinary Action
5256 Reduction in Force
5314 Substitutes
5321 – 5321P Leaves of Absence
5322 Military Leave
R 5325 Breastfeeding Workplace
R 5328 Family Medical Leave
5329 Long-Term Illness/Temporary Disability Leave
5330 Maternity Leave
5331 Insurance Benefits for Employees
5333 Holidays
5334 Vacations/Personal Leave
5334P Vacation Guidelines
R 5336 Fair Labor Standards Act
5337 Workers’ Compensation Benefits
5338 Absence Due to Illness or Injury
5420 Paraprofessionals
5420F ESSA Qualifications Notification Request Form
5430 Volunteers/Chaperones
5430F Volunteer Letter of Understanding
5440 Student Teachers/Interns
5450 Employee use of Electronic Mail, Internet, Networks, and District
Equipment
5460 Electronic Resources and Social Networking
5500 Payment of Wages Upon Termination
R 5510 HIPAA
5630 Employee Use of Mobile Devices

Policy to Repeal:
5253 TRS Purchasing Service Credit

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 September 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:04 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Joanna Massie and Arnold Bjork. Absent: Matt Hartle – planned absence; Shawn McDonough – planned absence. Also in attendance: Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tammy Ward – Principal, Jen Johnson – 2nd grade teacher.
II. Minutes of 12 August 2019, 4 September 2019 & 9 September 2019. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of the minutes as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information Item:
A. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. We’ve had a successful start to the year regarding accessible internet. Tami Ward will meet with MontanaSky later this month to help plan landscaping at the site.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure includes payroll and claims through 12 September 2019. General Fund is at 10% committed. Grand Total of all funds is at 9% committed.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is at 117. Building Maintenance and Facility Conditions reports were given and shared with the Board. Our liability insurance company has advised us to replace our wooden bleachers and that a 12” landing pad should be placed under our climbing wall and cargo net. A grant application, to help cover the costs of these updates, has been submitted to Flathead Electric Cooperative for aluminum bleachers and the recommended landing pad. Teachers and Tami learned strategies for technology integration at the August Technology Institute in Missoula – these strategies are already being implemented in some of our classrooms. Our 4th grade students took the Science Criterion Reference Test (CRT) last spring and results show that 90% of our students are proficient or advanced in science concepts. Tami provided a substitute teacher training this month, this is the first time she’s done that and felt it was a successful training.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson reported that teachers are following the practices of the Responsive Classroom outline in the book The First Six Weeks of School. This has resulted in a calm and positive start to the school year as routines are being established.
VI. Policies:
A. 2221, 7320, 7405 and policies and forms for purchasing policies– 2nd reading. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of the policies, forms and procedures as presented and also executing individual teacher/staff p-card use agreements. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Representation at MSGIA’s Annual Meeting (our Worker’s Compensation Insurer). An RSVP or the option to be represented by proxy to MSGIA’s Annual Meeting was presented, as was the Election of Directors. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval to be represented and vote by proxy and accept the four nominees as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Substitute Teachers List. A list of new hire personnel was given. Arnold Bjork moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the substitute teacher list as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Transportation Contract(s). Thirty contracts were presented (rider eligibility: 9 – eligible, 13 – ineligible, 8 – out-of-district.). Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of the transportation contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Before School Care Contract(s). Thirteen contracts are included in this request. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of the before school care contracts as presented.
E. Out of District Request(s). Five students residing in our district, choosing to attend school in another district. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded acknowledgement of receipt of these attendance agreements. Motion passed unanimously. Thirty-nine students requesting Creston School as their school of choice/placement. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of these attendance agreements. Motion passed unanimously.
Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). First request: Bigfork Girl Scout Troop #3302 requesting use of the gym every other Friday starting 10/4/2019 through the end of May 2020, from 4:30 – 6:00pm to hold Girl Scout meetings. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of this gym use request as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Second request: Arrowsmith Family requesting use of the gym Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, January 2, 2020 – April 30, 2020, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm to do indoor exercises/activities for preparation of Spring baseball. Joanna Massie moved and Arnold Bjork seconded approval of this gym use request with the exception that there will be no hitting of baseballs and a net must be used for throwing practice. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims September 2019. Board approved all claims as presented.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 October 2019, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn, then … Closed Session for Principal Goals / Evaluation

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
9 September 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:57 a.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Joanna Massie and Arnold Bjork. Also, in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Jack Eggensperger – County Superintendent

II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.

III. Consideration of Action Items
A. Appointment of New Trustee to Fill Vacancy. Shawn McDonough motioned and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval to appoint Arnold Bjork to fill the trustee vacancy which ends May 2020. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Swear in New Trustee. Jack Eggensperger swore in Arnold Bjork as a trustee.
C. Approval of Substitute Bus Drivers. Bigfork School District has agreed to supply us with substitute bus drivers from their pool of drivers. They will invoice us for the service. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned and Joanna Massie seconded approval of using substitute bus drivers from Bigfork School District as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. September Claims Approval – none at this time; will have this on the 12 September 2019 agenda.

IV. Next Meeting Date(s):
A. 12 September 2019, 7:00 AM Regular Meeting

V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
4 September 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Joanna Massie (arrived at 4:34). Also, in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Kris Goss – MTSBA Director of Policy Services, Senior Counsel.

II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.

III. Board Policy Review – Kris Goss, is working with our district to customize our school district policies, procedures, and handbooks to comply with the legal requirements of state and federal law. Today we reviewed 5000, 7000 and 8000 series policies.

IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 September 2019 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. Possible Special Meeting next week to appoint new trustee – date TBD
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                  Matt Hartle, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
BUDGET & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 August 2019
MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle, Board Chair, called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. in the Creston School Library. The following members were present: Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Also, in attendance were Tami Ward – Principal and Tammy Bartos – District Clerk.

II. Minutes of 13 June 2019. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the minutes. Motion passed unanimously.

III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.

IV. Information Item:
A. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. MontanaSky connected our internet service to the tower the end of June. Landscaping at the tower site is planned for the fall.
B. 2017-2018 Audit Report. Full copies of the report were distributed to the Board.
C. Trustee Resignation – Tikka. Julie Tikka has resigned. Her term expires May 2020.

V. Reports:
A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure includes Payroll and Claims through 12 August 2019. Balanced to County Treasurer for April, May and June 2019. Bus Accident Insurance Claim – costs came in under reimbursed amount, so a refund is being issued back to MSPLIP with this month’s warrants. Before School 2018-19 Summary – Expenses exceeded Revenues by $89 for the year.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment for the start of the school year is currently at 115. Building Maintenance – bathrooms painted, teacher’s lounge stairs repaired, trees and shrubs trimmed as well as numerous other projects. Grants – working on possible grants for new gym bleachers and thicker mats under the climbing wall and cargo net. Also, annual Title I, II, IV and V funds. School Facility Conditions Inventory Report – Various projects completed or in the works this summer including septic pumped, roof heat tape on annex, grade and gravel the bus zone, new carpet tile in hallway, new flooring in bathrooms. Teacher Professional Development – Several teachers and Tami attended a conference in Missoula and learned innovative teaching and learning strategies. Also, several teachers will attend the STEAM conference and Northwest Reading Conference in Kalispell this month.
C. Staff. – nil.

VI. Policies:
A. 2000 Series, (See Attachment for complete list) – 2nd reading. Reviewed policies in the 2000 Series as per the MTSBA recommendations. Minor adjustments were noted, primarily grammatical issues. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen motioned, and Shawn McDonough seconded to adopt the 2000 Series policies as presented, with noted changes as per today’s discussion, to replace and update our existing 2000 series policies. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 2221, 7320, 7405 and policies and forms for purchasing policies– 1st reading. A first read of these noted policies and forms was performed.

VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. 2018-2019 Trustees Financial Summary. The TFS is the school district’s official submission of annual financial information to the County Superintendent and State Superintendent under section 20-9-213, MCA. The report is also used in determining various allocations of state and federal grants. Joanna Massie moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the report as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
B. 2019-2020 Budget. The budgeting process begins many months prior to the final report being presented. Total proposed district mill levies for fiscal year 2019-20 reflect a 5.8 decrease from 2018-19. Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the budget report as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval to hire substitute Janitor. In order to be prepared for times when the regular janitor is unavailable approval for a substitute was requested. Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval to hire a substitute Janitor as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Classified Staff Contract Renewals & Compensation for FY20. Two contracts for Classroom, Playground & Lunchroom Aide were presented. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the personnel action item as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Cayuse Prairie – Creston School Transportation Interlocal FY20. Cayuse Prairie requests permission from Creston to pick up students in the Creston School district. Joanna Massie moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Approval to replace broken ductless heat pump system in annex (2nd/3rd) building. The existing heat pump was damaged this winter due to ice. Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval to replace the unit as presented. Motion passed unanimously
G. Hold Harmless Agreements with Creston Fire Dept & Eastside Grange. In consideration of the use of the Creston Fire Department and the Eastside Grange as a temporary shelter for school children during a school emergency Creston School agrees to hold the respective parties harmless for any injuries or property damage arising out of such use. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the agreements as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Substitute Teachers List. Both a list of re-hires and new substitute teacher personnel were given, as well as use of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools substitute list. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the personnel item as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Transportation Contract(s) – nil.
J. Before School Care Contract(s) – nil.
K. Out of District Request(s) – nil.
L. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). Tom Martinez requested use of the gym for the Martinez family and friends to play basketball, Wednesday’s from 6:30 – 9:00 pm, beginning ASAP through the end of May 2020. Joanna Massie moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the request as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Claims for June, July & August 2019. Board approved all claims as presented.

IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 September 2019, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. Policy Meeting with MTSBA – 4 September 2019, 4:00 pm

X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk Matt Hartle, Board Chair

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CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
R = required
2000 SERIES
INSTRUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

R 2000 Goals
R 2100 School Year Calendar and Day
R 2105 Grade Organization
2110 Objectives
2113 Pre-Kindergarten Programs
R 2120 Curriculum and Assessment
2130 Program Evaluation and Diagnostic Tests
R 2132 Student and Family Privacy Rights
2140 Guidance and Counseling
R 2150 Suicide Awareness and Prevention
2151 Interscholastic Activities
2151F Assumption of Risk Sign-Off Form
R 2158 Family Engagement
R 2160 – 2160P Title I Parent Involvement
R 2161 – 2161P Special Education
R 2162 – 2162P Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”)
2166 Gifted Program
2168 Distance Learning Courses
2170 – 2170P Digital Academy
2171 Significant Writing Program
2221 School Closure
R 2309 Library Materials
R 2310 – 2310P Selection of Library Materials
R 2311 Instructional Materials
R 2311P Selection, Adoption, and Removal of Textbooks and Instructional
Materials
R 2312 Copyright
R 2312P Copyright Compliance
R 2314 Learning Materials Review
2320 Field Trips, Excursions, and Outdoor Education
2322 Contests for Students
R 2330 Controversial Issues and Academic Freedom
2332 Religion and Religious Activities
2334 Release Time for Religious Instruction
R 2413 Credit Transfer and Assessment for Placement
2420 Grading and Progress Reports
2421 Promotion and Retention
2430 Homework
R 2450 Recognition of Native American Cultural Heritage
2500 Limited English Proficiency Program
R 2510 School Wellness