REGULAR MEETING -- APRIL 16, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. with board members Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster present, along with Superintendent Margaret Hopkin, Business Administrator Doug Cannon, Secretary Pat Nielsen, Principals Sherrie Buckingham, Robert Farnsworth, Stephen Hren and Melinda Snow, Joanne Savoie, Patty Jones, David Adams, Madeline and Judy Savarese, Vicki and Sam Webster, Dailey Haren, Whitney Keogh, Tiffani Patersen, Curtis Lovato, Dayton, Lourae and Ken Minor, Preston Higgs, Nathan Johnson, Suzy and Garrett Gordon, Joey Wilson, Afton Randall, Breann Russell and Margo Trunova.
RECOGNITIONS
Blue Ribbon Awards were given to Joey Wilson (Choir Director); Melissa Meldrum (Sterling Scholar advisor); Sterling Scholar winners (Dailey Haren, Sam Webster and Madeline Savarese) and runners-up( Dayton Minor, Alyssa Mulligan and Alyson Lema); and Debate Coaches Traci Carling, Ken Minor and David Adams.
Also recognized were Garrett Gordon and Margo Trunova as Students of the Month.
STAFF REPORTS
Superintendent Hopkin reported: 1) on the positive comments and minor concerns received during a recent transportation audit by the state; 2) a random bus safety inspections on 10% of the District’s busses that netted Grand a Bronze Award at the recent transportation conference; and 3) the Administrative Team’s response to the District In Need of Improvement appraisal.
Doug Cannon spoke briefly about the efforts of high school students to establish a Rodeo Club; and the District receiving an award for its fall Student Enrollment Report.
Principals reported on a recent mock disaster that is done prior the week prior to Prom; a school-wide (GCMS) field experience in Arches and Canyonlands; presentation of the student maturation program at two schools; the successful completion of another Science Fair; upcoming testing dates; and the possibility of getting an arts coordinator and setting up the 3-tiered program at Red Rock next year.
Melinda Snow also reported her findings on the Education Foundation, including where the money is, the amount in the account, and what the District needs to do in order to qualify “on its own” in the future.
Principals also presented their individual School Trust LAND Programs reports.
GEA President Joanne Savoie reported attending the UEA House of Delegates meeting; hosting lunch for the RR Staff; and Sean Mabey’s meeting with teachers to instruct them on How to Pass the Praxis.
GCEA will be holding their beginning 2008 negotiations meeting April 23rd. Of concern is the fact that raises are not being taken care of by the legislature.
INFO & REPORTS
GCHS Student Petition: In reviewing this petition regarding VoTech Parking, it was decided that all issues have been resolved, and it is no longer of concern to students.
Out-of-state Travel Requests: Included in the request are: 1) BEACON Co-directors trip to Southwest After School Leaders Symposium in Phoenix, AZ; 2) BEACON tutors trip to Denver, CO for the PEAK After School Conference; and 3) end-of-year reward trip for youth participation in GCMS Native American Club - students, chaperones, etc will travel to Navajo Reservation, Canyon de Chelly and Rock Point, Arizona. Item placed on the action agenda.
Education Foundation: Mr. Cannon presented information on recently passed HB-112 regarding detailed accounting, checks and balances, how to run it through the District as a separate account, etc.
Policy #4155 - Grounds for Dismissal: GEA thanked for its work to streamline this policy. Item placed on the action agenda.
Charter School Request: The District has been looking for ways to help the Charter School, and is asking board permission to allow them to use District polycom and EdNet facilities to help cut down on their travel to out-of-town meetings. Permission granted.
Truth in Taxation & Financial Training: Because these two items dovetail both items were included in the discussion. Tax instruction received from Burke Jolley, helped the board understand that state law gives board’s the “power” to impose the maximum but this district has been imposing the lowest amount of taxes, so it is no wonder the school district is so “poor.” Discussion held on what this funding could be used for: 1) raises for classified staff; 2) the purchase of one new bus every year to replace our aging fleet; 3) seed money to help BEACON and GrandAM programs to apply for more grants; and recreation funding for high school extra-curricular activities. The importance of differentiating between the Bond (used to build a new facility) and Truth in Taxation funding (used for on-going/current operating needs) should be stressed when discussing these two items.
Master Plan Update: Jim Webster reported that meetings with the community group are happening and more action to involve Moab citizens should start to occur. He also reminded everyone of the upcoming Forum on Wednesday, April 30th at the Middle School, and the Bond Hearing that same date at 6:00 in the Music Room.
NSBA Report: Jim Webster and Margaret Hopkin spoke enthusiastically about their attendance at the NSBA Conference. From inspiring key note speakers to attendance at some of the many great sessions, impressions recalled were the need for a pre-kindergarten program. Reminding board members of the decision to cut the idea of a pre-school program in order to save funding, Jim said that if Grand can possibly do it — we should — as there are great benefits for children! Margaret highlighted information regarding Baldridge Quality Indicators; building “green” schools; and insurance information. (Jim said there is a serious effort to build as “green” a school as possible here in Moab.) Both Margaret and Jim recalled wishing there was a third member in attendance so that they could gather more information and attend more sessions. It was noted that next year the conference will be in San Diego, and that perhaps two board members and the superintendent should be sent.
2008-2009 Staffing: Print out indicating changes and positions still open presented.
Legislative Update: Item deleted after training received from USBA on April 9.
Bond Information: Doug Cannon reported the District has received two proposals: Zion’s Bank will charge $1.25 per $1,000; and Wells Fargo will charge $1.75 per $1,000. Discussion held and the Board asked for the following information: 1) can Well’s Fargo match the lower bid; 2) additional information about selling bonds; and 3) clarification as to the interest rate (same? hidden cost?). Doug asked to have this information by next Tuesday’s meeting.
ACTION AGENDA
Consent Agenda: Deb Hren moved to approve the consent agenda with the addition of a resignation (minutes and financial report for March; Resignation of Joey Wilson, GCHS Music Teacher, Transfer of Lynn Carpenter to ALS Teacher, Robyn Johnson to 2nd Grade, Sarah Henderson to 3rd Grade, Kathryn Jackson to 1st Grade, and Nick Jeffries to GCHS Math), seconded by Bryon Walston and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
School Trust Land Reports: Jim Webster moved to approve Grand County High School’s Trust Land report, seconded by Ron Olsen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Bryon Walston moved to approve Grand County Middle School’s Trust Land report, seconded by Jim Webster and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Ron Olsen moved to approve Helen M. Knight’s Trust Land report, seconded by Kaaron Jorgen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Bryon Walston moved to approve Red Rock Elementary’s Trust Land report, seconded by Deb Hren and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Policy #4155: Bryon Walston moved to post for review Policy 4155 - Grounds for Dismissal, seconded by Ron Olsen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Out-of-State Travel Request: Jim Webster moved to approve the out-of-state travel requests, seconded by Deb Hren. Discussion held for clarification. Vote called and all requests unanimously approved by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
ADVANCE PLANNING
The board will meet: Tuesday, April 22, 3:30 p.m. at the VoTech Center; Tuesday, April 29, 3:30 p.m. in the boardroom; Wednesday, April 30, 6:00 p.m. for Bond Hearing, GCMS Music room.
May 13 - 3:30 p.m. - in the boardroom; May 20 - Site Visit - Sundwall Center - 12:00 noon; May 21 - 6:00 p.m. - Regular Meeting
June 16 - 9:00 to noon - Retreat; again at 6:00 - Regular Meeting; June 26 & 27 - Strategic Planning Meeting.
July 8 - 1:00 p.m. to Canvas the Vote.
At 8:25 p.m. Deb Hren moved to go into executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters, seconded by Bryon Walston and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION - APRIL 16, 2008
Meeting called to order with board members Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster in attendance, along with Margaret Hopkin and Doug Cannon. Meeting called to discuss legal and personnel matters. Meeting adjourned to Regular Meeting at 9:34 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING - APRIL 16, 2008
Meeting called to order at 9:35 p.m. with board members Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster in attendance, along with Margaret Hopkin and Doug Cannon.
Ron Olsen moved to grant an employee one extra day of leave, seconded by Bryon Walston and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.