Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

13 December 2018 MINUTES

I. Call to order. Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Julie Tikka. Also, in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Emily Russell – 6th grade teacher. Absent: Joanna Massie (other responsibilities).

II. Minutes. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Julie Tikka seconded approval of the minutes of the 7 November 2018 – Regular Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.

IV. Information Items:

A. Lawsuit William Rogers re. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. Copies of documents provided for information:

a. 9 Oct 2018 Motion for amended complaint

b. 9 Oct 2018 Amended Complaint

c. 26 Oct 2018 Defendant’s answer to plaintiff’s amended complaint

d. Order Granting Leave to Intervene – by MontanaSky Networks – approved

e. 9 Nov 2018 Response to County Superintendent – fax date 11 Nov 2018

f. 14 Nov 2018 Order re: Motion for Preliminary Injunction – denied

g. 21 Nov 2018 Motion for reconsideration of order denying plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction

h. 3 Dec 2018 Intervenor’s (MSN) Response to Plaintiff’s Motion to reconsider

i. 10 Dec 2018 Intervenor’s MSN Motion and Brief to Dismiss

B. Attorney Statements. Copies of documents provided for information. These statements/invoices are being paid by our liability insurer.

a. 26 Nov 2018 Statement from Faure Holden Attorneys re. Rogers

b. 26 Nov 2018 Statement from Faure Holder Attorneys re. Kukla

C. Flathead County Superintendent of Schools Statistical Report of Schools 2018. Report was handed out.

D. MTSBA Policy Maintenance – Update. MTSBA is in the process of working on our draft policies. At the January Board Meeting we will discuss scheduling a meeting to review policies the end of January or in February.

V. Reports:

A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure through 13 December 2018 was submitted. General Fund is at 34% committed and Grand Total of all funds is at 28%.

B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 101. Jan Lord, artist in residence, is finishing up the mural with 3rd – 6th graders this month. LED light panels on the reader board will be replaced; and facility inspections have been completed with no recommendations at this time. Teachers are using the student data from the NWRISE Engagement Survey to work on issues and concerns. Teachers have completed a couple of chapters in the Super Spellers book and a spelling inventory on all students. Tami Ward was an education panel member at the Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Flathead group, on December 7th. First round of formal teacher observations has been completed. In November, 519 total food items were collected by our school community for the Food Bank. There were 56 responses received to the School Growth survey that was offered to parents and staff. The majority favored adding a 7th and 8th grade; next step options will be presented at a future meeting including visiting other schools, funding and education requirements.

C. Staff. Emily Russell reported on the various classroom topics and events happening throughout the school.

VI. Policies: nil.

VII. Consideration of Action Items:

A. Procurement Card (p-Card). The Montana Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) has partnered with Illinois ASBO’s Procurement Card Program for several years and is very satisfied with this program. Procedures and forms to administer the program in a fiscally responsible manner would be put into place prior to using the cards. Julie Tikka moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve applying to and entering into a contract for an Illinois ASBO’s Procurement Card through the Bank of Montreal with a total initial monthly credit limit of $45,000. (The entire resolution follows.) Motion passed unanimously. Resolution Authorizing Issuance of Individual Procurement Cards WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Creston School District #9, Flathead County, State of Montana, has the authority to enter into an agreement with the Bank of Montreal for purchasing cards; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Creston School District #9, Flathead County, State of Montana, that the Chairman and Clerk are authorized to enter into an Agreement with the Bank of Montreal to secure Procurement Cards for each authorized employee of the school district under such terms and conditions as approved by the Board. The Board of Trustees, authorizes the School District Clerk to execute a p-Card program agreement on its behalf. Approved this 13th day of December 2018. Ayes: 4; Nays: none.

B. PERS – Public Employees Retirement System for Classified Non-Instructional Staff. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to pass the following resolution: The Board of Trustees for School District No. 9, Flathead County, State of Montana, intends to approve a Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) coverage contract upon approval of a secret ballot election of all eligible employees. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Aflac – after-tax Disability option. In November an Aflac representative was invited to present the plans they have to offer. Several employees elected to participate. Because this plan is being offered as a pre-tax only option/deduction there is no action required by the Board.

D. Transportation Contract(s). nil.

E. Before School Care Contract(s). nil.

F. Out of District request(s). Julie Tikka moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the attendance agreement for a student residing in Creston School District and attending another district. Motion passed unanimously.

G. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). nil.

VIII. Claims. Board approved all Claims for December 2018.

IX. Next Meeting Dates:

A. 10 January 2018 7:00am, Regular Meeting

X. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                                 Matt Hartle, Chairman

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

7 November 2018

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 with the following members present: Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Julie Tikka. Also, in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Deb Christiansen – Title & PE teacher.

II. Minutes. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the minutes of the 10 October 2018 – Regular Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

III. Public Participation / Correspondence– nil.

IV. Information Items:

A. Lawsuit filed by William Rogers re. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. a.) Rule 16 Scheduling Order, signed October 16, 2018, has been received. b) MontanaSky Networks filed a Motion & Brief for Leave to Intervene on October 16, 2018.  c) A letter of appeal by William Rogers regarding the board decision has been received by Jack Eggensperger, the County Superintendent of Schools, a response has been requested and our attorney is responding.  d) On October 31, 2018 MontanaSky Networks filed an Unopposed Motion for Stay to Allow for Settlement.  Although, unfortunately, this was done without the approval of the Creston School Board, it has in any case been denied by the Judge.

B. Whispering Pines Subdivision. A Notice regarding a proposed subdivision just east of Highway 35 off of Mennonite Church Road was received from the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Department.

C. Report Card Format. Tami Ward explained a planned revision to the format of the report cards.The change is in response to a survey sent out last year.  The grading standards remain the same, just the format which the parents receive will change.

D. Public Employees Retirement System for Classified Non-Instructional Staff. Tammy Bartos presented information regarding the offering this retirement system to this type of employee. Initial steps have previously been taken in prior years.

E. Procurement Card (p-Card) Information. Tammy Bartos presented information regarding this option for replacing the current credit card we use – which is a personally guaranteed card. This p-Card is offered through a partnership with MASBO and Illinois ASBO.

V. Reports:

A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure through 7 November 2018 was submitted. General Fund is at 27% committed and Grand Total of all funds is at 22%. Balanced to County Treasurer for July, August and September 2018.  Fall Student Enrollment Count Report was submitted to MAEFAIRS in October – reported enrollment was 101.

B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 101.Jan Lord, artist in residence is working with 3^rd– 6^thgraders on a mural, being funded by the Montana Arts Council. Heat tape has been installed in the gutters in the problem areas and two pieces of playground equipment have arrived and may yet be installed before the ground is frozen. Professional Development: Tami Ward attended the National Rural School Conference; October early out for PD was a Zoom conference with NWRISE, student engagement survey, review of various procedures and classroom goals and Title I services; the first observation cycle of teachers will be completed mid-November.  Tami Ward will be a panel member in an education town hall discussion through the Chamber of Commerce in December.  Reported on the various Cooperatives we are a part of.  The process of preplanning for the 2020/2021 school year will begin with a survey to the school and staff, of primary interest is whether we should remain a K-6^thschool or become a K-8^thor preK-5^thgrade school.

C. Staff. Deb Christiansen reported on the various classroom topics and events happening throughout the school.

D. Class Presentations. At 8:00 a.m. representatives from the 2^ndgrade class presented their correspondence with pen pals; Also, 3^rdgrade class representatives presented book reviews and math work.

VI. Policies:

A. Joanna Massie moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the second and final reading of policy 2000 INSTRUCTION – Goals (Revision) as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

VII. Consideration of Action Items:

A. Hold Harmless Agreement with Eastside Grange. The Grange is a temporary shelter for school children during a school emergency. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the Hold Harmless Agreement with the Eastside Grange.  Motion passed unanimously.

B. MSPLIP (property & liability insurance) Member Proxy for November 13, 2018 meeting. The annual meeting requires a quorum.  An authorized representative from our school may attend or a proxy may be appointed. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to appoint the MSPLIP Chairman of the Board of Directors as Proxy holder for the November 13, 2018 Annual Meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.

C. MTSBA Policy Maintenance Contract. The MTSBA Policy Services program helps ensure school districts operate in accordance with established practices and applicable laws.  They will work with our school district policy, procedures, and handbooks to comply with the legal requirements of state and federal law. As a member of the maintenance program, they will review and continually update the District’s policies to adequately reflect operations.  Julie Tikka moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the MTSBA Custom Small School Policy Manual Agreement as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

D. Substitute Teacher List. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved, and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the substitute teacher list as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

E. Transportation Contract(s). nil.

F. Before School Care Program – Fee Waiver. There are times that before school meetings occur with parents, who have their student(s) with them.  It would be helpful to allow those students access to the Before School Care Program so the meetings can be conducted efficiently.  Shawn McDonough moved, and Joanna Massie seconded to approve allowing the Principal to waive the fee and allow students to use the Before School Care Program when conducting authorized before school meetings with parents.  Motion passed unanimously.

G. Before School Care Contract(s). nil.

H. Out of District request(s). Julie Tikka moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements for students residing in Creston School District, choosing to attend another district.  Motion passed unanimously.  Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the attendance agreements for out-of-district students who request attendance at Creston School.  Motion passed unanimously.

I. Gym & School Grounds Use Request(s). Tom Martinez is requesting the use of our gym on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of basketball, beginning ASAP through May 31, 2018.  Julie Tikka moved, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the gym use requests as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Claims.Board approved all Claims for November 2018.

IX. Next Meeting Dates:

A. 13 December 2018 7:00am, Regular Meeting

X. Meeting adjourned at 8:14 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                               Matt Hartle, Chairman

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

10 October 2018

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Joanna Massie called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Shawn McDonough and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Matt Hartle was out of town and Julie Tikka was out with medical concerns. Also in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Jen Johnson – 2^ndgrade teacher.

II. Minutes. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the minutes of the 6 September 2018 – Regular Meeting and the 6 September 2018 – Special Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

III. Public Participation / Correspondence– nil.

IV. Information Items:

A. Lawsuit filed by William Rogers re. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. 1.) October 1, 2018 Mr. Rogers filed a motion for a temporary injunction to stop construction of the tower. Our attorney, Jean E. Faure of Faure Holden Attorneys at Law, P.C. is handling the matter and will keep us informed as this moves forward; 2.) Also, on October 1, 2018 Mr. Rogers contacted our attorney and forwarded a draft of an amendment to his original lawsuit.  On October 4, 2018 she sent a response for him to consider before he actually files the amendment.  We are still waiting for a counter response.

B. Lawsuit filed by Hana & Petr Kukla re. Wi-Fi Tower Installation – Update. September 14, 2018 Hana & Petr Kukla filed a voluntary dismissal of their lawsuit.

C. Evergreen Disposal Update re. Container. Last week Evergreen Disposal delivered a container to us that has a locking mechanism on it. Also, the pick up schedule has been changed to once every other week.  Our cost is currently $60.10 per month, a change from $96.20 per month.

D. Major Bus Repair Invoice Review. At the July 23, 2018 Special Board Meeting the Board approved the needed engine overhaul bus repair at an estimated cost of $28,000.00. The bus was returned to us on September 4, 2018 and the final invoice was $23,920.42.

E. Smarter Balance Assessment Comparison (SBAC) 2017-2018. Combined 2017-2018 Advanced or Proficient Scores 3^rd– 6^thgrades: 1) English Language Arts (ELA) – 66%; 2) Math 54%. Principal Ward shared the challenges with taking this test, new ideas teachers will implement this year, school-wide goals and interventions.

F. School Theme for 2018/2019. Teachers collaborated to come up with this year’s theme: Show good character ~ Be your own superhero!

G. Principal Professional Responsibilities and Goals. Principal Ward presented the 2018/2019 Principal Professional Responsibilities and Goals Form, from the approved Montana-EPAS Evaluation Tool. This form will be used later in the year for the Principal Evaluation.

H. Continuous School Improvement Program School & District Plan. This report, required by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) was completed and submitted by Principal Ward on October 5, 2018.Topics covered in the plan include School Climate, Math Goals, ELA Goals, Title III, and Homeless.

V. Reports:

A. Clerk. Statement of Expenditure through 8 October 2018 was submitted. General Fund is at 18% committed and Grand Total of all funds is at 16%.

B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 101; The Easement Agreement with MontanaSky has been signed by all parties; 3^rd– 6^thgrade students are working on an art project with an artist to fulfill the $1,499 art grant we received; September 26 early out time was used for a productive teacher professional development time; Tami Ward received a travel grant to attend the National Small Schools Alliance convention this month – a conference which brings together rural educators who learn about issues small schools encounter and seek viable solutions collaboratively; Updates on the Education Cooperative, Special Education Cooperative and Crossroads were given; Safety Committee reviewed the role of being a committee member and assigned a mentor to new employees on safety practices; in the beginning stages of investigating what needs to be done to update the 2008 School Facility Inventory Report; Before School Care Program is running smoothly with nine families currently using the program.

C. Staff. Jen Johnson reported on the various classroom topics and events happening throughout the school.

VI. Policies:

A. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 4350 COMMUNITY RELATIONS – Website Accessibility and Nondiscrimination, with two grammatical corrections on line 30 (change “which” to “with”) and line 31 (delete a duplicate “or”). Motion passed unanimously.

B. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve policy 3224 STUDENTS – Student Dress as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 1014FE – BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Intent to Increase Non-Voted Levy as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 1014FE-FI – BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Notice of Intent to Impose an Increase in Levies Form as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve 3124 STUDENTS – Military Compact Waiver as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

F. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 5000A PERSONNEL – Aide Job Description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

G. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 5000C PERSONNEL – Custodian Job Description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

H. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 5000LA PERSONNEL – Library Assistant Job Description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

I. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 5000SC PERSONNEL – School Clerk Job Description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

J. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve policy 5000ST PERSONNEL – Substitute Teacher Job Description as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

K. 2000 INSTRUCTION – Goals.This was the first reading of a revision to this policy. No motion.

VII. Consideration of Action Items:

A. The MTSBA Board has authorized distribution of a contingent ballot for all pending association business, as there is concern they will lack a quorum at the October 19^th Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded voting “yes” to all items on the Contingent Ballot for Conducting MTSBA Business. Motion passed unanimously.

B. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the Fiscal Year 2018 – Fiscal Year 2020 Audit Contract with Nicole M. Noonan, CPA, PC.Motion passed unanimously.

C. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve both the in-house Substitute Teacher List and the use of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools Substitute list as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

D. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the Before School Care Program – Teacher Fee Waiver as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the Before School Care Contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

F. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the Transportation Contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

G. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorenson seconded to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements for students residing in Creston School District, choosing to attend another district. Motion passed unanimously.  Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the attendance agreements for out-of-district students who request attendance at Creston School.  Motion passed unanimously.

H. Two gym use requests were presented: 1) 4^thgrade girls Rotary Club Basketball practice, Thursday’s 6:30 – 8:00 pm through 8 November 2018 and; 2) S. Uskoski family for basketball, Monday’s 7:00 – 10:00 pm through 6 June 2019.Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the gym use requests as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Claims.Board approved all Claims for October 2018.

IX. Next Meeting Dates:

A. 7 November 2018 7:00am, Regular Meeting

X. Meeting adjourned at 8:21 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                               Matt Hartle, Chairman

 

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

6 September 2018, 7:00 PM

MINUTES

I. Call to Order.Chairman Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Creston School Gym with the following members present: Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough, and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Julie Tikka was out with medical concerns. Also in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Tony Koenig – MTSBA legal representative; various staff members and members of the public.

II. Wi-Fi Tower Information: The following documents were submitted to the Board. The Board had access to this information and each one had reviewed it prior to tonight’s meeting.

A. Against the Wi-Fi Tower

1.Submitted written public comment during the 30-day comment period.

2.Research submitted by neighbors against the tower.

3.Uniform Complaints

4.General Complaints

5.Petitions and Communications Against

6.Lawsuits v. Creston School

7.Communications/Requests for Information – August 23, 2018 email

8.Communication with Public: Requests for Information

B.In Favor of the Wi-Fi Tower

1.Submitted written public comment during the 30-day comment period.

C. General Comments and Research Provided

D. Research Provided by the Public

E. Additional written public comment received after the 30-day comment period.

F. Copies of Minutes that include public comment

III. Consideration of Action Item:

A. Wi-Fi Tower Easement Agreement (131 Creston Road) with MontanaSky Networks, Inc.

1. Public Comment. Various members of the public commented regarding being in favor of or opposed to moving forward with the agreement.

2.Description (read aloud by the Clerk): At the July 31, 2018 Special Meeting of the Board, a halt was placed on the Wi-Fi Tower installation. A 30-day public comment period was initiated for August 1^st– 30^th. At this time the Board has reviewed the public comment and a host of additional documents regarding the Tower. Please note that on July 23, 2018 the Board moved to amend the signed June 7^thagreement with MontanaSky to 1) move the tower 150’ to the west; and 2) to remove the clause in the agreement regarding subletting and revenue sharing.  The Easement Agreement with the noted changes is now before the Board for approval.

3.Each member of the Board was individually called on to vote on the approval of the action item. The vote was unanimous.

IV. Public Participation:

A.Marianne Miller addressed her concern regarding how many of the public comments taken on the tower were people not in the Creston School District.She extended a thank you to the Board for what they have done.

V. Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                                                   Matt Hartle, Chairman

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

6 September 2018

MINUTES

I. Call to Order.Chairman Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. in the Creston School Library with the following members present: Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Julie Tikka was out with medical concerns. Also in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Shanta Milne – Kindergarten Teacher, Melissa Potts – 1^stgrade Teacher; and 4 visitors: Ming Lovejoy, Petr & Hana Kukla, Joanna Russell.

II. Minutes: Shawn McDonoughmoved andJoanna Massie seconded approval of the minutes of the 9 August 2018 reorganizational meeting. Motion passed unanimously.

III. Public Participation / Correspondence:

A. Ming Lovejoy, stated her desire regarding the Wi-Fi tower is to help the board make a decision that is right, kind and in the best interest of the students, she noted that schools in France went back to school this year with no cell phones and removed their cell towers.

B. Email from Ming Lovejoy dated August 23, 2018 regarding the Wi-Fi tower was submitted.

C. Additional Public Comment regarding the Wi-Fi Tower (not part of the 30-day period) was submitted.

(Items B & C will also be included in the Special Meeting at 7:00 pm 6 September 2018)

IV. Information Items:

A. Lawsuit documentation filed by William Rogers regarding the Wi-Fi Tower Installation at 131 Creston Rd was submitted.

B. Lawsuit documentation filed by Hana & Petr Kukla regarding the Wi-Fi Tower Installation at 131 Creston Rd was submitted.

V. Reports:

A. Clerk: The Statement of Expenditure for September 2018 was submitted.

B. Principal: Student Enrollment is 103. The public comment period regarding the Wi-Fi tower closed August 30, 2018 at 5:00pm and two copies of all documents are available to the general public upon request. An artist in residence will be brought in this fall to work on an art project with our students to fulfill our $1,499 art grant award.  Building Maintenance: bids on roof/gutter heat tape installation to help remedy ice dam issues are being sought out.  All staff participated in First Aid/AED refresher training as well as Suicide Prevention training.  Three teachers and Mrs. Ward will participate with the NWRISE program this year.  The new Cooperative Director will be out to visit and assess our needs later this month.  The Special Education Cooperative has the new building on hold, but has set up a preschool in their conference room. The Safety Committee will meet once a month for the 2018/2019 school year and the first meeting will be September 12^th. The bus has been repaired and is in use; we are waiting for the invoice and will report on the cost at a future board meeting.  The Before School Care Program is off to a smooth start.

C. Staff: Mrs. Milne reported a summary of each classroom topics and events.

VI. Policies:

A. Policy 1400 Board of Trustees – Board Meetings (Revised) (2^ndReading).Joanna Massie moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded the motion to approve the policy with the time and date revision of 7:00 a.m. on the 2^ndThursday of each month.  Motion passed unanimously.

VII. Consideration of Action Items:

A. The Mountain View Mennonite Church Child Care has requested to use our facility as an emergency relocation site. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve the Emergency Relocation Shelter Agreement for the Mountain View Mennonite Church Child Care Program.  Motion passed unanimously.

B. The Flathead Crossroads Program is an extension of special education services at Evergreen Schools. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

C. An RSVP or the option to be represented by proxy to MSGIA’s Annual Meeting, October 19, 2018 was presented, as was the Election of Directors. Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the nominees as presented and authorize the proxies to vote upon such matters as may properly come before the meeting and all adjournments thereof.Motion passed unanimously.

D. Substitute Teacher List. No personnel to recommend at this time.  No motion needed.

E. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the Transportation Contracts as presented.Motion passed unanimously.

F. Joanna Massie moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Before School Care Contracts as presented.Motion passed unanimously.

G. Shawn McDonough moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded approval of the Out-of-District Requests by students choosing Creston School as their district of choice, as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

H.Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the gym use by the Bigfork Girl Scouts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.

VIII. Claims: The Board approved all claims for September 2018.

IX. Next Meetings Dates:

• 6 September 2018, 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting
• 11 October 2018, 7:00 a.m. Regular Meeting

Meeting adjourned at 7:39 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

_______________________                                                  _______________________

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                                                   Matt Hartle, Chairman

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9

REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

9 August 2018

MINUTES

Chairman Matt Hartle called the Board of Trustees Meeting to order at 7:31 a.m. in the Creston School Gymnasium with the following members present:  Joanna Massie, Shawn McDonough, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen. Julie Tikka was out with medical concerns.  Also in attendance were: Tami Ward – Principal, Tammy Bartos – District Clerk, Jack Eggensperger – County Superintendent, Nicole Noonan – Auditor and approximately 10 visitors.

Minutes:  Joanna Massie moved and Shawn McDonough seconded approval of the minutes of the 10 May 2018 reorganizational meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.  Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the minutes of the 23 July 2018 special meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.  Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded approval of the minutes of the 31 July 2018 special meeting.  Motion passed unanimously.

Public Participation / Correspondence:An email from Hana Kukla, received by Principal Ward, 8 August 2018, in regards to the proposed Wi-Fi tower, was delivered and read by the trustees; concerns with lack of public comment prior to the signing of the contract and the contract itself. Chair, M. Hartle, opened up public comment, at which time H. Kukla then read her email aloud.  All other public comment was also in reference to the proposed Wi-Fi tower. Various concerns regarding the proposed Wi-Fi tower were commented on by Petr Kukla, Ming Lovejoy, Tricia Rogers and Shane Rogers including lack of public comment prior to the contract being signed, timing of filing of an easement agreement at the County, negative health risk concerns, long-term contractual obligations, community relations, support of a levy to fund a different means of providing services, long-term effect of having tower on the property – if school building does not occur on the property.  Support for the tower installation was voiced by Sara Stone, Jeremy Edmondson and Joann Russell, including not having health risk concerns (hospitals use Wi-Fi), frustration teachers and students have with the current Internet situation, the need to keep up with technology, and being fiscally responsible without a levy to the taxpayers.

Information Items:

• Audit Report Fiscal Year 2016-2017: Nicole Noonan, CPA, shared the results of the audit she conducted.
• Creston Road Land Lease Request by Heidi Rogers:The June 21^stemail showing interest in leasing the property at 131 Creston Road was withdrawn in a subsequent email dated August 8^th.
• 2008 School Facility Inventory (FCI) Reports – Update:In 2017, Senate Bill 307 passed a resolution which included a requirement that the 2008 FCI Report be updated.  The first update must be completed by July 1, 2019 and subsequent updates will be required. Principal Ward will be heading up the FCI Report update.

Reports:

Clerk: Summer months are filled with End-of-Year transactions, Trustees Financial Summary (TFS) and Budget Preparations.  These items will be addressed in the Consideration of Action Items portion of the meeting.

Principal: Unofficial student enrollment number is 101. Written, public comment regarding broadband and the proposed Wi-Fi tower is being accepted until August 30^th, 2018 at 5:00 p.m.  Grants: a $1,499 Artist in School Grant has been received as well as a $1,500 grant for Tami Ward to attend the National Rural Educators Association convention.  Building Maintenance:  repairs and upgrades have been completed this summer including parking lot addition, painting, storage cabinets and roof/insulation repair.  Teacher professional development (PD): First grade teacher, Melissa Potts, attended the MSSA standards workshop, a requirement for rural schools without a certified counselor or librarian.  Teachers will attend a STEAM conference and the Northwest Reading conference in August.  All teachers and staff will participate in First Aid/AED refresher training, as well as Suicide Prevention training.  School-wide focus this year for PD will be student engagement and spelling instruction. Updates on the Education and Special Education Cooperative were given. Safety: Mr. Hagen has completed needed inspections for asbestos, playground and facilities. Bus Repairs:  awaiting diagnostics; checking on it daily and hope to have a firm estimate and diagnosis by Monday, August 13^th.

Policies:

• 1400 BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Board Meetings. Revised. The trustees discussed setting a different regular meeting day and time possibly 7:00 a.m. on the 2^ndThursday of each month. This was a 1^st  No motion needed.

Consideration of Action Items:

• 2017-2018 Trustees Financial Summary. Tammy Bartos presented the FY18 TFS to the trustees.  Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded to accept the 2017-2018 Trustees Financial Summary as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.
• 2018-2019 Budget Report. Tammy Bartos presented both the OPI Draft Budget Report and an internal worksheet of the report to the trustees.  Comparisons to the FY17 Budget were made to aide in the discussion, as well as the SB307 notice that was part of the spring preliminary budget discussions.  Joanna Massie moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to accept the 2018-2019 Budget Report as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.
• Substitute Teachers List. Tami Ward presented a list to reemploy substitute teachers from last years approved list.  Joanna Massie moved and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen seconded to approve the Substitute Teacher List as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.
• Professional Development for Staff – NW RISE. Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has recommended we consider becoming members in the Northwest Rural Innovation and Student Engagement (NW RISE) Network.  The network exists to share strategies, spread best practices and learn together. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Shawn McDonough seconded to approve using Title IV professional development money for our teachers to participate in a network of professionals through NW RISE. Motion passed unanimously.
• Transportation Contracts. Twenty-seven (27) contracts (families) were presented in the request.  Shawn McDonough moved and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the transportation contracts as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
• Before School Care Contracts. Four (4) contracts (families) were presented in the request.  Jessica Sandven-Sorensen moved and Joanna Massie seconded to approve the contracts as presented.  Motion passed unanimously.
• Out of District Contracts. None presented.
• Gym & School Grounds Use requests. None presented.

Payroll/Substitute/Claims: The Board approved all claims for 6/29/18, 8/2/18 and 8/9/18.

Next Meetings Dates:

• 4 September 2018, 7:00 p.m. Special Meeting – 30 day public comment period – Tentative
• 6 September 2018, 7:00 a.m. Regular Meeting

Meeting adjourned at 9:49 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

_______________________                                                  _______________________

Tammy Bartos, District Clerk                                                   Matt Hartle, Chairman