Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 OCTOBER 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher.
II. Minutes of 14 September 2023. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. MTSBA Notice of Delegate Assembly. Information regarding the meeting was provided.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 30 September 2023. General Fund is 20% committed and the Total of all Funds is 16%. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through August 2023. Miscellaneous Funds and Eastside Interlocal accounts were also reported. As per new legislation in HB811 trustee contact information has been entered into the OPI online repository. Auditor is working on documents delivered prior to on-site visit – the date of the on-site visit is pending.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 106. Teachers will participate in an IEFA professional development session led by Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson on October 24. Benchmark assessments for the 2023/2024 school year are completed for math and reading; the data was analyzed and students needing Title I services, additional teacher/staff assistance and/or classroom interventions were identified and are receiving those services/interventions. The first meeting of the safety committee is scheduled for October 16; three safety drills have been held to date including one in conjunction with the Creston Fire Department. On September 28 Mrs. Stevens attended an OPI training session regarding the Integrated Strategic Action Plan (ISAP), the rubric scoring system, Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), and stakeholder engagement requirements for school accreditation. Monthly building maintenance inspection has been completed with no recommendations and the School Facilities Conditions Inventory report was provided with no updates. Teacher formal evaluations using the Teacher EPAS are scheduled and have begun; tenured teacher evaluations will be completed by December and non-tenured teacher evaluations by February.
C. Staff. Mrs. Conley, Special Education Teacher was present to share the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Second Reading of Policy Updates: 1650 (New), 1006FE, 1110, 1400, 2132, 2140, 2332, 2450, 3120, 3141, 3226, 3233, 3235, 3310, 3413, 3510, 3550, 8301. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the updates to the policy manual as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. First Reading of Policy Updates: 1009FE. Policy reviewed. No action.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Update to Free & Reduced Form. Change to the School Use Only portion. Replace parent/guardian signature line with school official notes communicating determination status to parent/guardian. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the revision as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Megan Derrington left the meeting at this point – 7:22 a.m.
B. Extra-Duty Custodian Contracts. A list of current employees agreeing to fill in as custodian as needed was provided. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty custodian contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. No updates. No action.
D. MTSUIP Annual Meeting. Information regarding the meeting was provided. No action.
E. Strategic Planning Process and Formation of Stakeholder Committee. Mrs. Stevens explained the purpose and process of strategic planning and how it ties in with the Integrated Strategic Action Plan (ISAP) which is required to be submitted to OPI in March of 2024 and updated annually after that. The first step requires the formation of a stakeholder committee including board members. Nevada Hafer and Jessica Sandven-Sorensen volunteered to be on the committee. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the formation of the stakeholder committee and appoint the trustee volunteers to the committee. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Substitute List. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the new hire substitute teacher/aide list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Transportation Contracts – nil.
H. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
I. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for nineteen 7th and 8th grade students that reside in our district and are attending Kalispell Middle School under a District-to-District placement. Barry Farrell moved to approve these attendance agreements. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Attendance agreements for seven students that reside in our district, attending another district. Nevada Hafer moved to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreements. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 November 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
B. 14 December 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
X. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development
A. Schedule for Trustee School Walk-Throughs. Trustees scheduled walk-through times with Mrs. Stevens.
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
14 SEPTEMBER 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:05 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, and Barry Farrell; absent: Megan Derrington and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher and Bobbie Visnovske, Specials Teacher.
II. Minutes of 10 August 2023. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil
IV. Information
A. Boardsmanship Leadership Academy. Flathead Valley Community College is offering this five-week academy September 14 through October 12 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The notice was provided.
B. Asbestos Report July 2023. An accredited asbestos inspector did a walk-through of our facilities in July of 2023. The inspection did not reveal any new areas of concern and those that are existing are in good condition. Recommendations are to continue to maintain the material and continue following the proper techniques that we have in place.
C. Speed Study Update. The speed limit recommendations made by MDT were approved on August 24 by the Transportation Commission. The MDT District office is now moving forward with ordering and updating the signage, securing funding and material to update the bouncing ball flashers for the school speed zone signs.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 August 2023. General Fund is 5% committed and the Total of all Funds is also 5% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through July 2023. Miscellaneous Funds and Eastside Interlocal account were also reported.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 105. All teachers and staff completed CPR and First Aid training in August. Teachers will participate in online professional development for the Social Studies Alive! program this month. All staff participated in Run, Lock, Fight training in August. Overall Open House turnout was 86%. Mrs. Stevens will be participating in training sessions this month for the new School Accreditation requirements. Benchmark assessments for the 2023/2024 school year are in progress for math (easyCBM) and reading (Fountas & Pinnell). The district Smarter Balanced (SBAC) state testing data is now available and a report comparing state and district results was provided. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of the Homeless Liaison and has completed the required training. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson are filling the role of the Indian Education for All (IEFA) Program Director for the 2023/2024 school year; they participated in IEFA professional development in the spring and will be providing professional development for our teachers this fall. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of Gifted and Talented Program Director and has developed a committee to revise and update the District’s Gifted and Talented Education Plan. The school facilities condition inventory report was provided with updates. The monthly building inspection has been completed with no recommendation for repairs. Weyerhaeuser granted us one CAD truck load of wood chips for the playground in August. The bus lot project has been completed including replacing gates, fences, and installing the cable barrier behind the annex. The Special Education Cooperative is staffed and providing support to our school through the provision of a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, and school psychologist; Mrs. Stevens also serves on the board and attends monthly meetings. Mrs. Stevens participates in meetings with the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents (NWMASS) and the Rural Schools Administrators two times a month; these meetings support her growth as a professional and maintain the connection our school has with other schools in the valley. Crossroads management board will meet every other month; the next meeting is in October.
C. Staff. Mrs. Conley, Special Education Teacher and Mrs. Visnovske, Specials Teacher were present to share the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. First Reading of Policy Updates: 1650 (New), 1006FE, 1110, 1400, 2132, 2140, 2332, 2450, 3120, 3141, 3226, 3233, 3235, 3310, 3413, 3510, 3550, 8301. The MTSBA Policy Services team has prepared necessary updates in response to legislation approved during the 2023 Legislative Session. The policies listed are only a portion of the updates provided. Policies were reviewed. No action taken.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. District Goals for 2023/2024. The goals included the school philosophy, mission statement, motto, educational goals and continuous school improvement goals. Barry Farrell moved to adopt the Creston School District Goals for 2023/2024 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Extra-Duty Custodian Contracts. A list of current employees agreeing to fill in as custodian as needed was provided. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty custodian contracts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. No updates. No action.
D. MSGIA Annual Meeting. Twila Brenneman moved to accept the nominees as presented and to approve Creston School be represented by proxy. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Bus Stop Requests. A list was presented for adding approved stops that allow students to cross the road. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the bus stop requests as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Transportation Contracts. Fourteen (14) contracts were presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the contracts as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Before School Care Contracts. Fourteen (14) contracts were presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the contracts as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreement for four (4) students that reside in our district, attending another district. Twila Brenneman moved to acknowledge the receipt of the attendance agreements. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Thirty-six (36) requests for students residing in other districts and requesting Creston School District as their school of choice. Barry Farrell moved to approve these attendance agreements. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. Three requests were presented: 1) D. Shurz and K. Hagen requesting the gym on Fridays, September 22 – May 31, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm for martial arts practice for family members; 2) J. Edmondson requesting the gym October 6 thru March 24, 2024 on Fridays from 5:15 – 6:15pm and Sundays from 11:00 to 12:00pm for basketball open gym for family and friends; 3) S. Uskoski requesting the gym on Mondays, September 25 – May 20, 2024 from 7:00 – 9:00pm for basketball for family. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the gym use requests as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Principal Evaluation (Goals) – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen closed the meeting at 8:05 a.m. for an executive session to conduct a personnel evaluation for Rachel Stevens. The meeting was re-opened at 8:25 a.m. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the principal evaluation of goals and to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 October 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
B. 9 November 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
X. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen led a discussion on the following:
A. Long-Term Goals and Strategic Planning
B. Schedule for Trustee School Walk-Throughs
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
BUDGET & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 AUGUST 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Pauline Davidson, 3rd grade Teacher.
II. Minutes of 8 June & 29 June 2023. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. List of P-Card Users. A list of current P-Card users was provided.
B. MSPLIP Safety Inspection Report. MSPLIP Loss Control Specialist, Kevin Smith, did a walk-through of our facilities on June 28th. The purpose is to provide us with an updated loss control assessment. The report noted that previous recommendations were completed. There was one recommendation made to add a strip of tape or paint to a threshold in the basement indicating a change in height. A copy of the Inspection Report was provided.
C. Speed Study Update. The Montana Department of Transportation received the final comments from the Flathead County Commissioners and moved forward with adding an agenda item on the next Transportation Commission meeting for August 24.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 30 June 2023. General Fund is 99% committed and the Total of all Funds is 82% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through June 2023.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is predicted at 105. The Montana Office of Public Instruction is updating and revising the accreditation standards for public schools; the new rules will take effect for the 2024/2025 school year. Most teachers attended the Missoula August Institute virtually. Teachers also have an opportunity to attend the NW Reading Council Literacy Conference later this month. All teachers and staff will receive CPR and AED training on August 24. The Montana DRIVE workshop was attended in July by our two on-staff bus drivers. All teachers and staff will complete Run, Lock, Fight training on August 25 as well as online safety training prior to Sept 9. Principal Stevens participated in Egrants training in July and will attend library and counselor training on August 14. The regrading and paving of the bus lot, the French drain in the east parking lot, and the painting of both lots have been completed. Fencing around the annex and main building and barriers for the HVAC units are scheduled to be completed prior to the return of students. Mrs. Visnovske and Mrs. Stevens wrote and were awarded a grant through Montana National Archery in the School – the archery equipment has been received; Mrs. Visnovske is a certified archery instructor and plans to include an archery unit in PE this year. Our annual Open House is scheduled for August 28 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm; families will have the opportunity to meet the teacher, bring school supplies, sign up to volunteer or bring class treats, and socialize with other families on the playground. Summer building and maintenance projects are nearing completion – the school facilities report was provided.
C. Staff – nil.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. TFS. The Trustees Financial Summary (TFS) is the district’s official submission of annual financial information to the County Superintendent and State Superintendent. The report was provided in full. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the TFS for fiscal year 2022/2023 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Budget. The 2023/2024 final budget report was reviewed, including expenditure budgets, operating reserves, reappropriation amounts and levy amounts. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the 2023/2024 Budget and Apportionment of Ending Cash Balances as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Substitute Pay Rates for 2023/2024. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the pay rate of $14.25 per hour for a Substitute Teacher/Aide for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Substitute List 2023/2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the re-hire and new hire substitute teachers/aides/custodians lists as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Megan Derrington moved to approve the substitute bus driver re-hire of Rob Tracy and hourly wage as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan Review. Minor revisions were recommended to reference adopted policies in lieu of terminated policies. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plans as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Designation of Representative to the FSEC Management Board. Twila Brenneman moved to appoint Rachel Stevens, Principal, to represent Creston School District on the Flathead Special Education Cooperative Management Board. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Extra-Duty Mentor – TM. A recommendation to approve a teacher mentor for our newest teacher (B. Visnovske) for this school year. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty mentoring contract and pay rate for Teresa Mumm as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Extra-Duty Athletic Director – TM. A recommendation to approve an extra-duty contract for an athletic director for this school year. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty athletic director contract and pay rate for Teresa Mumm as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Extra-Duty Bus Driver Training Contract – KM. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty bus driver training contract and pay rate for Katy Hagen as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Extra-Duty Substitute Bus Driver Contract – KM. Megan Derrington moved to approve the extra-duty substitute bus driver contract and pay rate for Katy Hagen as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Extra-Duty Manage Google Classroom Contract – JS. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the extra-duty contract and pay rate for Jamie Shanks to manage Google Classroom as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Hold Harmless Agreements with Creston Fire Dept & Eastside Grange. These are annual agreements in consideration of the use of their respective buildings for a temporary shelter during a school emergency. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Hold Harmless agreements for 2023/2024 with the Creston Fire Department and the Eastside Grange as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Staff Handbook 2023/2024. Revisions to the handbook were presented. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Staff Handbook 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Application for Free & Reduced School Fees. A revised form was presented. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the application for free and reduced school fees as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Records Destruction. Two Form RM88’s were presented to dispose of personnel records. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the records destruction request as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
P. Transportation Contracts – nil.
Q. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
R. Out-of-District Requests – nil.
S. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. The Many Lakes Homeowners Association requested use of the gym on Friday, September 15 and 16 to set-up and hold their annual meeting. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the gym use request as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action – July and August. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims lists as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 September 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
B. 12 October 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
IX. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen led a discussion on the following topic:
A. Discuss topics for future work sessions.
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:46 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
29 JUNE 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:31 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. MSPLIP Property & Liability Insurance Renewal 2023/2024. Megan Derrington moved to approve the MSPLIP Property & Liability Insurance Policy Renewal for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Substitute Custodian Pay Rate for 2023/2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the pay rate of $17.25 per hour for a substitute custodian for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Substitute Custodian Hire & Contract 2023/2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the substitute custodian re-hire for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only.
E. Personnel Evaluation – T Bartos – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure and at 7:39 a.m. closed the meeting for an executive session to conduct the personnel evaluation of Tammy Bartos. The meeting was reconvened in open session at 8:04 a.m. and Twila Brenneman moved to approve the personnel evaluation of the District Clerk and to approve the executive session minutes. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Claims Approval – nil.
V. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 August 2023, 7:00 am, Budget & Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:07 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
8 JUNE 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Absent: Megan Derrington. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher.
II. Minutes of 11 May 2023. Barry Farrell moved to approve the minutes as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence. Flathead County Planning & Zoning office sent us a copy of a resubdivision request at 964& 1020 Riverside Road.
IV. Information
A. Acknowledgement from Flathead County Commissioners Re. Speed Study. Received an acknowledgment from Randy Brodehl, Flathead County Commissioner regarding the public comment we sent on the recent speed study report for Highway 35.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 May 2023. General Fund is 71% committed and the Total of all Funds is 59% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through April 2023.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 114. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no recommendations for repairs; the facilities inventory report was provided with updates. Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Stevens attended professional development on May 17 and 18 for Indian Education for All; Miss Johnson also attended on the 17th. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson will share the IEFA Coordinator role next year. Mrs. Stevens will attend the Summer Institute in Polson provided by the Western Montana-Comprehensive System of Professional Development – two full-day sessions: Understanding Trauma and Behavior in Students and Legal Updates and Best Practices in Section 504 and Special Education Law. The students and staff participated in an Indian Education for All collaborative learning day on May 12. This week the students and staff have/will participate in spirit days: crazy hat day, superhero day, crazy hair day, Creston pride day, and color day. The Learning Fair was set up in the gym on May 25; many family members attended. Third through sixth grade students have completed Smarter Balanced Assessments; individual student reports will be sent home with report cards. Fountas & Pinnell reading and easyCBM math benchmark assessments have been completed. A report on Creston School Goals for 2022/2023 was provided.
C. Staff. Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher was present to share the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Policy 8131 – Indoor Air Quality – 2nd Read.
B. Policy 8303 – Cleaning and Disinfecting – 2nd Read
Twila Brenneman moved to approve the addition of Policies 8131 & 8303 to our policy manual as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. New Teacher Hire & Contract for 2023/2024. Twila Brenneman moved to hire Barbara Visnovske as a Teacher for the 2023/2024 school year and approve her teaching contract as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Letter of Reasonable Assurance for Substitutes. A letter to current substitute employees giving them reasonable assurance of employment for the 2023/2024 school year on the same substitute basis that existed during the past school year. Nevada Hafer moved to approve issuing the Letter of Reasonable Assurance for Substitute Employees as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Flathead Special Education – Preschool Interlocal Agreement 2023/2024. The FSEC Preschool provides a comprehensive developmental approach to meeting the needs of children with disabilities. Services are provided to children ages 3 through 5 who are residents of the participating school district and meet eligibility criteria. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the FSEC Preschool Program Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously,
D. Flathead Special Education – STAR (Communication) Program Agreement 2023/2024. The FSEC STAR Program meets the needs of students who have Autism or related characteristics and behaviors that impede their ability to communicate and be successful within their neighborhood school. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the FSEC STAR Communication Program Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement 2023/2024. The Crossroads Program is an extension of special education services at Evergreen Schools and provides a positive environment to meet the unique educational needs of students of participating districts who have chronic emotional and behavioral needs with the specific intent of building skills necessary to facilitate reentry into the regular public-school setting. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2023/2024 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. New Social Studies Curriculum Adoption and Quote. Two social studies curriculum programs were made available to families and teachers to review: Social Studies Alive! And myWorld Interactive. There is 100% teacher approval of the Social Studies Alive! program; only one public comment was received, and it was in favor of the myWorld Interactive. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the adoption of and the purchase of the Social Studies Alive! program as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Coaching Extra-Duty Contracts 2023/2024. Janessa Williams has agreed to coach boys’ and girls’ basketball and Teresa Mumm has agreed to coach cross country. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty coaching contracts for 2023/2024 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Classified Contract Renewal or Non-Renewal 2023/2024 & Compensation. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the compensation and employment agreements for the 2023/2024 school year as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Hourly Paid Classified Employees Stipend for 2023-2024. In order to maintain the operation and continuity of services at our school and in consideration of statewide and national employee shortages, a stipend of up to $3,060 per annum for 1.0 FTE hourly paid classified employees was proposed – prorated by FTE. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the stipend to the listed classified employees for 2023/2024 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Principal Salary Negotiation & Contract 2023/2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the compensation and employment agreement as presented for the 2023/2024 school year. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Business/Office Manager & District Clerk Salary Negotiation & Contract 2023/2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the compensation and employment agreement as presented for the 2023/2024 school year. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. MontanaSky Networks Tower Agreement. Section 5 of the agreement we have with MontanaSky Networks which deals with compensation was reviewed – per the contract this may occur after the 5th anniversary and on each 5th anniversary thereafter. MontanaSky was contacted by Mrs. Stevens to discuss possible revisions and a draft of changes was presented to the trustees. Creston School will continue to receive $1,000 per month for rent from MontanaSky and the school will pay MontanaSky $1,000 per month for internet services. Also, the dedicated bandwidth will increase from 100 Mb x 100 Mb to 500 Mb x 500 Mb; and once fiber-optics are installed to the tower, the connection will be upgraded to 1 Gb x 1 Gb. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the changes as presented to take effect on September 28, 2023. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only.
N. District Clerk Authority to Process Claims Summer Months. Twila Brenneman moved to authorize the District Clerk to process claims from June through the end of August 2023 without convening a board meeting. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
O. Bus Route 2023/2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the bus route and stops with student crossings for 2023/2024 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
P. Cayuse Prairie – Creston Transportation Interlocal 2023/2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the transportation interlocal agreement with Cayuse Prairie as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
Q. Transfer to East Side Flathead Valley Multidistrict Interlocal. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the resolution to transfer up to a maximum of $40,000 from the 2022/2023 General Fund to the East Side Flathead Valley Multidistrict Interlocal Fund as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
R. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. The Mountain View Christian Church is requesting use of the playground and field on Saturday, July 28 & Sunday, July 29 as extra space for a carnival hosted at the Eastside Grange. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the grounds use request as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
S. Personnel Evaluation – T Bartos – Executive Session – rescheduled for a special meeting on June 29th at 7:30am.
VIII. Claims Approval. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 August 2023, 7:00 am, Budget & Regular Meeting
X. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen led a discussion covering the following two topics:
A. Contract overviews continued…
B. Funding & Budgets (see April 2022 – this will be a review of that work session)
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
11 MAY 2023

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cal Ketchum, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, 2nd Grade Teacher and CEA President and Janessa Williams, 6th Grade Teacher.
II. Minutes of 13 April 2023. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence. A card was received from the Creston Volunteer Fire Department to thank us for the support we give to Creston Fire, especially during the Creston Auction.
IV. Results of Trustee Election. The trustee election was cancelled by acclamation. We had two three-year openings with two candidate filings and one two-year opening with one filing. Elected by Acclamation for three-year terms: Twila Brenneman and Nevada Hafer; for two-year term: Megan Derrington. Barry Farrell moved to approve the trustee election results as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Trustees. Cal Ketchum, Flathead County Superintendent of Schools administered the oath of office to Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington and Nevada Hafer.
VI. Adjourn Meeting. This portion of the meeting was adjourned at 7:09 a.m. Cal Ketchum left the meeting at this time.
VII. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:09 a.m.
VIII. Reorganization of the Board of Trustees
A. Nomination and Election of Board Chair. Twila Brenneman nominated and motioned to elect Jessica Sandven-Sorensen as Board Chair. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Nomination and Election of Vice-Chair. Nevada Hafer nominated and motioned to elect Twila Brenneman as Vice-Chair. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Appointment and Oath of Office of District Clerk. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen nominated to appoint Tammy Bartos as District Clerk. Twila Brenneman motioned to appoint Tammy Bartos as District Clerk. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Note that per Cal Ketchum there is just an appointment and no oath needed.
D. Approval of Board Meeting Dates and Times for the 2023/2024 School Year. Barry Farrell moved to continue having regular meetings take place at 7:00 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Discussion of Procedures and Expectations. Items discussed were special and emergency meetings, board packets and trustee resources.
Twila Brenneman left the meeting after this item at 7:18 a.m.
IX. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
X. Information
A. Creston School Scholarship Committee. The scholarship was awarded to Hannah Davidson. She accepted the certificate of award at our school assembly on April 28th. The actual monetary amount of $500 will be given once proof of registration at a technical school, college, or university is provided.
B. MT DEQ Results of Sanitary Survey Inspection of Public Water Supply System. The report in full was provided. Our facility is required to have a sanitary survey inspection once every three years. Results of the survey in all areas were: No issues were observed. Regarding the maintenance, management, safety and operation: “The PWS appears to be well managed and maintained. The historical sample analytical results reflect a well-managed and maintained system. Your efforts are truly appreciated.”
XI. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 30 April 2023. General Fund is 64% committed and the Total of all Funds is 52% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through March 2023.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 114. Teachers have reviewed Social Studies Alive! And My World Interactive social studies programs; an email will be sent to families May 12 with the links to review the materials and instructions on how to comment; after the May 12 – 26 review period, a recommendation will be made to the trustees at the June Board meeting regarding this curriculum adoption. Third through sixth grade students participated in the Smarter Balanced ELA and math assessments April 24 – May 11; also, fifth grade students began testing on April 17 as they are required to complete the science assessment. Kindergarten Roundup was facilitated by a team of teachers on May 10; we are predicting our enrollment for the incoming class to be between 18 – 20 students. Kindergarten through sixth grade art, writing, projects, and music will be featured in the gym on May 25 from 7:30 am – 4:30 pm in an open house format. On May 12 our students will participate in an IEFA Collaboration Day with interactive learning activities taught by the staff at Creston School using seven Essential understandings developed by the state of Montana to guide the activities. In April there was a teacher meeting to plan for 2023/2024. School Spirit Days will be June 5 – 9 with Crazy Hat Day, Superhero Day, Crazy Hair Day, Creston Pride Day, and Color Day; also, there will be a drawing held that week during the ice cream social for our “I Love to Read” contest, where we will hold a drawing for three Kindles donated by the Kalispell Masonic Lodge #42. Mrs. Stevens participated in the MTSBA Employment Hot Topics Training in April and attended two hours of Gifted & Talented Team Planning the end of April. Monthly Building Inspections were completed, with minor repairs and the spring/summer facility projects were noted on the Facility Inventory Report.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher was present to share the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
XII. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Board Meetings – Policy 1400. Policy was reviewed, no changes made, no action taken.
B. Termination of Emergency Policies 1900 – 1911. Nevada Hafer moved to terminate the Temporary Emergency Policies Numbered 1900-1911 and direct the administration to remove the policies and related procedures from the policy manual as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Add Policy 8131 – Indoor Air Quality. 1st Read, no action.
D. Add Policy 8303 – Cleaning and Disinfecting. 1st Read, no action.
XIII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Response to Flathead County Commissioners Re. Speed Study – Montana 35 (P-52) – Creston. A letter in support of the results of the Speed Study conducted by MDT staff was drafted. It informs the reader that the trustees agree with the conclusions and recommendations particularly with the proposed new speed limit transitions around our school. Barry Farrell moved to approve the letter to the Flathead County Commissioners regarding Speed Study – Montana 35 (P-52) – Creston as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Request for Leave 2023/2024 – J. Williams. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the request by Miss Williams to take leave with pay for track and field coaching with Columbia Falls High School up to a total of 40 hours from March 27, 2024, through May 26, 2024. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. School Secretary – Position and Job Description. A request to change our current Office Aide position to a Secretary. Barry Farrell moved to approve the addition of a School Secretary position and the job description as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Classified Contract Renewals 2023/2024 including Renewal or Non-Renewal – nil.
E. New Title Teacher (M. Potts) Contract for 2023/2024 – Correction. An error was discovered to the years of experience and coordinating salary that was presented at the April meeting. This new contract corrects that mistake. Barry Farrell moved to approve the corrected teaching contract for Melissa Potts for the 2023/2024 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan Review. The plan was provided for review. No revisions submitted from the community. Dates will be updated. Revisions by the administration include noting termination of Emergency Policies 1900 series and adding references to related policies in lieu of those terminated policies. Megan Derrington moved to approve the Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. ARP Plan Review. The plan was provided for review. No revisions were submitted. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the ARP ESSER Plan as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. District Clerk & Business/Office Manager Job Opening. Barry Farrell moved to approve the withdrawal of the resignation of Mrs. Bartos and approve the job opening as closed. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Amended Employment Contract 2022/2023 T. Bartos. Contract requires amendments as Mrs. Bartos will be continuing her employment through the end of the fiscal year. Amendments include the job description change to Business/Office Manager & District Clerk, an addition of up to 25 paid days, and a job evaluation prior to June 30. Barry Farrell moved to approve the amended 2022/2023 employment contract for Mrs. Bartos as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. MTSBA Annual Meeting. A copy of the announcement was provided. No action taken.
K. Harvest Haying Agreement at 131 Creston Road with S. Wagoner. Steve Wagoner will harvest the hay and in exchange our property will have some needed maintenance – there is no exchange of money. Megan Derrington moved to approve the haying agreement with Steve Wagoner as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Eastside Parking Lot Improvement Proposal. Double Diamond will be here for another project this summer and was asked to look at the issue of pooling water and ice at the north end of our eastside parking lot. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the proposal by Double Diamond to put in a French Drain in our eastside parking lot as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
M. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
XIV. Claims Approval. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
XV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 8 June 2023, 7:00 am, Regular Meeting
XVI. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development
A. Introduction to Contracts continued…
XVII. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair