Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 March 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer, and Julie Horton. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President, Pauline Davidson, Teacher, Shanta Milne, Teacher, Cindi Conley, Teacher, and community members: Gloria Graves and Walter Graves.
II. Minutes of 10 February 2022, 1 March 2022, 8 March 2022. Nevada Hafer motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence. Gloria Graves of Friends of Creston Fire provided information regarding the upcoming Creston Fire Auction April 1st thru the 3rd.
IV. Information
A. Speed Sign Project. The Rotary Foundation of Bigfork has pursued installing “what’s your speed” signs on Highway 35 for our school. They applied and were awarded a grant from the Flathead Electric Roundup for Safety program. The Rotary Foundation is taking care of all the logistics. There is an additional $400 in costs that won’t be covered by the grant, so the school may be asked to assist in covering a portion of this cost. Additionally, there has been cooperation with Creston Fire, Creston Teacher’s Union, and Creston Boosters regarding additional funds that may be required to complete the project.
B. Lifting of mask mandate on buses or vans. The Centers for Disease Control announced that, effective February 25, 2022, it is exercising its enforcement discretion to not require people wear masks on buses or vans operated by public or private school systems. This decision means that the January 29, 2021, order requiring masks be worn on public transportation no longer applies to school buses.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 28 February 2022. General Fund is 53% committed and the Total of all Funds is 43% committed. Fund 115 Project Report was provided. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through January 2022. Quotes for Property & Liability Insurance for fiscal year 2023 have been requested.
B. Principal. Current Student Enrollment is 111. Monthly building inspections have been completed. Professional Development was held March 7 – 9 with Kelly Boswell; the focus of instruction was on teaching writing. Jen Johnson has volunteered to coordinate and supervise the 5th & 6th grade student volunteers to serve as Creston Auction runners. Creston students will also assist in setting up chairs and tables for a community meeting being held March 26th in our gymnasium. We had three confirmed positive coronavirus cases in our learning environment during the month of February and twenty total cases this school year.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared a positive review of the professional development with Kelly Boswell and then the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Principal Search & Hiring Process – with Kaleva Law. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen shared that the applicants were screened on March 8th and that on Tuesday, March 15th an interview will be held. The schedule includes a staff meet & greet, community meet & greet, and the interview.
B. Trustee Resolution – Notice of Intent to Increase/Decrease Non-Voted Levies – Estimating changes in revenues/mills from tuition, building reserve, transportation, and bus depreciation levies for 2022-2023. This is a required notice estimating changes in non-voted levies and the expected use of the Building Reserve State Major Maintenance levies. All funds were listed in the resolution to give a more complete overview of next year’s estimated levies. A preliminary General Fund Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 and the OPI Pre-Session Budget Data Sheet were provided along with the Resolution itself. Julie Horton moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association. Jennifer Johnson, CEA President, presented the proposed CBA negotiation items. Items to consider included a date change for notice if advancing on the salary schedule from April 1 to February 1; remove section 4.2 as it does not reflect current law regarding non-association teachers and dues; add nieces/nephews to the list of immediate family members for sick leave; and a 3% increase to the base salary schedule. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the negotiation items as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Extra-Duty Teaching Contract for 2022 Summer Program. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty contract for D. Christiansen to teach for the 2022 summer program as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Advertise a 1.0 FTE Teacher Position for the 2022/2023 School Year. This was presented in anticipation of possible teacher openings. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the request to advertise for K-6 elementary curriculum teacher for the 2022/2023 school year as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Property Disposal Resolution. Julie Horton moved to approve the property disposal resolution as presented and approve the sale of a laptop to T. Ward following the required two-week notice. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. 2022 – 2023 School Calendar. Two options were presented, both were developed from the Kalispell Public Schools calendar. Option 1 has an April no school day the same as KPS; Option 2 has no days off in April and instead has the last day of school one day earlier than KPS. Twila Brenneman moved to approve Option 1 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Student Handbook 2022/2023. Board Policy 3310 was recently revised and this created a change to the section regarding the Student Discipline Policy; all references to principal will need to be updated when we have a signed contract from the new principal; other minor clean up language. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the 2022/2023 Student Handbook as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan Review. Input from stakeholders was requested ahead of time. The plan in its entirety was reviewed with no revisions submitted. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the plan as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Substitute List. Julie Horton moved to approve the addition to the substitute teacher list as presented for the 2021/2022 school year. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Transportation Contracts – nil.
L. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
M. Out of District Requests. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the attendance agreements as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
O. District Clerk Personnel Evaluation – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure and at 8:08 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 8:52 a.m. and Nevada Hafer motioned to approve the personnel evaluation of Tammy Bartos and to approve the executive session minutes. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims Approval. Julie Horton moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 April 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 12 May 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:53 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
8 March 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, and Nevada Hafer (via Zoom). Also in attendance were, Elizabeth Kaleva, Kaleva Law (via Zoom), and Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only. No action taken.
B. Principal Applicant Screening – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure and at 7:03 a.m. closed the meeting for an Executive Session to conduct the applicant screening. The meeting was reconvened in open session at 8:09 a.m. and Twila Brenneman motioned to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Elizabeth Kaleva will be in touch with the selected applicants and an interview session will be arranged.
III. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
1 March 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:16 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom platform. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer and Julie Horton. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk.
II. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only. No action taken.
B. Principal Summative Evaluation – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure and at 7:17 a.m. closed the meeting for an Executive Session to conduct the personnel evaluation of Tami Ward. The meeting was reconvened in open session at 7:48 a.m. and Twila Brenneman motioned to approve the personnel evaluation of Tami Ward and to approve the executive session minutes. Julie Horton seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 February 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, and Julie Horton. Absent: Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Elizabeth Kaleva, Kaleva Law, Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President, Deb Christiansen, Teacher, Shanta Milne, Teacher, Pauline Davidson, Teacher, Cindi Conley, Teacher.
II. Minutes of 13 January 2022, 27 January 2022, and 3 February 2022. Twila Brenneman motioned to approve the minutes as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Reports:
A. Clerk. The monthly budget expenditure report was provided through 31 January 2022. General Fund is 45% committed and the Total of all Funds is at 37% committed. Fund 115 Project Report was also provided. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through December 2021. The MSSA Rural Survey has been received which compares budgets, levies, and enrollment among participating schools. 2020 Census Data shows the total population of our school district at 1371, population of children ages 5 to 17 of 151 and population of estimated children ages 5 to 17 in poverty of 14; the USED will use the data to calculate fiscal year 2023 allocations under Title1, Part A. The Spring Student Enrollment Count Report was submitted – reported enrollment for ANB (Average Number Belonging) was 111, and the ANB that will be used for 2022-2023 Budget Limits will be 117.
B. Principal. Current Student Enrollment is 111. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no recommended repairs; however, there is insufficient heat in the teacher’s lounge and the installation of a wall heater is being worked on. Kelly Boswell will be in our building March 7 – 9 providing embedded professional development on effective reading and writing instruction. Benchmark Assessment data for Reading and Math was providing showing improvement in both areas. We had two confirmed positive coronavirus cases in our learning environment during the month of January and seventeen total cases this school year.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson shared the staff report via a Google Slide presentation.
V. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Principal Search & Hiring Process – with Kaleva Law. Elizabeth Kaleva joined the meeting via Zoom and discussed the process she will go through for our principal search. She sought out input from both the board and the staff to tailor the process for our needs. Topics included in the discussion were a suggestion to update the job description to include the superintendent duties, the salary range offered, and the criteria of qualifications to include those who are eligible for the position. Advertising for the opening will begin today, applications will close the end of the month, a meeting will be set in early March to screen applicants, and interviews to include district tours and meetings with staff will take place prior to spring break. Information and discussion only with no action taken needed.
B. Principal Hiring Committee – the process outlined by Kaleva Law includes the provision that the Board is the Hiring Committee. No action.
C. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association. The CEA approved the date change in section 11.2.1 of the CBA from April 1 to February 1. Also requested was a deletion of section 4.2 to reflect current law; add nieces/nephews to the list of immediate family members in section 10.2; and a 3% increase to the base of the salary schedule. Discussion only as a preliminary budget gets put together. Negotiations will continue. No action.
D. Election Resolution. The complete resolution was presented to the Board. Summary: A regular school election for the purpose of electing two trustees to three-year terms will be conducted by Poll Election on Tuesday the 3rd day of May 2022. Approval of additional levies to operate and maintain Creston School for FY2023 will also be requested. If it is later determined that any portion of the election is not required, the election administrator is authorized to cancel that portion of the election. Julie Horton moved to approve the Resolution as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Interlocal Agreement with KPS #5 for KMS. A renewal to an agreement that allows our seventh and eighth grade students to attend Kalispell Middle School through June 30, 2024. Julie Horton moved to approve the Interlocal Agreement as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only. No action taken.
G. ARP ESSER Plan Review and Call for Stakeholder Input. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the ARP ESSER plan, with the January 13th update, for submission. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Substitute List – nil.
I. Transportation Contracts. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the transportation contract as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
K. Out of District Requests. Julie Horton moved to approve the attendance agreements as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. Many Lakes HOA requested use of the gym on March 26th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Living with Wildlife Community Event. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the request as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Creston Fire Fighter’s Association requested use of the gym, teacher’s lounge and outdoor school grounds, March 31, 2022 (12:30 p.m.) thru April 3, 2022 (9:00 p.m.) for the Creston Fire Fighter’s Association 56th Auction and Country Fair with approval of armed and unarmed security services. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the request as presented. Julie Horton seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VI. Claims Approval. Claims lists for January 18, January 31, and February 7, 2022. Julie Horton moved to approve the claims lists as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 March 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 14 April 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
VIII. Board Work Session – Training and Discussion for Board Professional Development
A. School Budget Symposium. March 2022 dates and times were provided, and trustees were encouraged to register.
B. Employment Contracts. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen led a discussion covering this topic.
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:17 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
3 February 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:19 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom platform. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell, Nevada Hafer and Julie Horton. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Elizabeth Kaleva, Kaleva Law, Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Pauline Davidson, 3rd Grade Teacher, Deb Christiansen, Title Teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Kaleva Law Presentation to Facilitate Principal Hire. A copy of the Kaleva Law Offices Principal Search Services Letter was provided. Elizabeth Kaleva, presented the process for all in attendance and answered questions. After the presentation trustees and others in attendance entered into discussion. Twila Brenneman motioned to approve hiring Kaleva Law Offices to facilitate our principal search. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only. No action taken.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 February 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 10 March 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:59 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
27 January 2022

MINUTES

I. Call to order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:15 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer; Absent: Julie Horton. Also in attendance were Tami Ward, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Debra Silk, MTSBA, Jennifer Johnson, Teacher and CEA President, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Pauline Davidson, 3rd Grade Teacher, and Deborah Christiansen, Title Teacher.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Opening the Principal position for hire. Twila Brenneman motioned to approve opening the Principal position for hire. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. MTSBA to facilitate Principal Hiring. A copy of the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) Superintendent Search Services Letter was provided which outlines their search process. Debra Silk, Associate Executive Director / General Counsel for MTSBA presented the process for all in attendance and answered questions. After the presentation trustees and others in attendance discussed the MTSBA process and the other options that may be available i.e., facilitate the process as a District (possibly using legal counsel with this option as needed), or hiring other firms. Jesssica Sandven-Sorensen appointed Barry Farrell to contact Bea Kaleva at Kaleva Law to gather information, to be followed by an informational Board meeting prior to the regular meeting on February 10th. Mrs. Ward was asked to put together a hiring packet/brochure to keep the process moving forward.
C. Principal Hiring Committee. Discussion only to wait on taking action on this. No motion needed.
D. Safe Return to School and Continuity of Services Plan. Information only. No action taken.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 February 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
B. 10 March 2022, 7:00 am Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

_________________________________
Tammy Bartos, District Clerk

_________________________________
Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair