REGULAR MEETING - FEBRUARY 20, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. with board members Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster in attendance, along with Superintendent Margaret Hopkin, Secretary Pat Nielsen, Principals Sherrie Buckingham, Robert Farnsworth, Stephen Hren, Taryn Kay, Joanne Savoie, Patricia Jones, Paul Drake, Gene and Martha Leonard, Bernard Radcliffe, Shelly Hawks, Kari Huts, Ron George, BreAnn and Alicia Russell, Robin Stevenson, Adrienne, Mandy and David Leech, Brandy Shumway and Billy Snyder.
Stephen Hren invited to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITIONS
Stephen Hren introduced GCHS Students of the Month, BreAnn Russell and Chase Pruitt; followed by Blue Ribbon awards being given to Gene & Martha Leonard (Super Fans); Adrienne Leech (care and help on busses); and Tessie Graham (academic award).
DELEGATION
Shelley Hawks and Kari Huts, representing the Canyonlands Volleyball Association, spoke about the “very unexpected” raise in rental rates – about “ten times what we were expecting.” They felt there should have been more public input into the changes and more feasible amounts levied.
STAFF REPORTS
Superintendent Hopkin commended the Alternative Language Services and Support Net Committees for their work to align their programs K-12 and the progress being made building-to-building.
Administrators reported on talent shows, the arts program, on-line testing preparations; incentive program offerings; Juniors’ Dinner & Dance activities; spring sports kick-off; an invitation to the GCHS Drama Club’s presentation of Arsenic & Old Lace; and the high numbers of absence due to the current flu epidemic.
Mr. Hren also submitted a request from the Native American Club for out-of-state travel April 24-26. Item moved to action agenda.
Jim Webster reminded everyone of the upcoming Open Forum on Wednesday and asked that they “get the word out” to everyone.
INFO & REPORTS
UPIPS Report: Giving a brief history and explanation of the program, Ms. Kay presented a handout of the executive summary audit report of the UPIPS program. Detailing the areas of strength and those needing improvement (already corrected), she said the report was great overall and she is proud to share it with the Board.
08-09 Calendar Change: Ms. Hopkin explained that in order to facilitate the 08-09 staff development program, it is requested that Monday, August 25 be made an early out day for all grades. Item moved to action agenda.
System of Support - District Appraisal Summary: The Appraisal Team’s report has been received and Ms. Hopkin briefly reviewed the two sections and explained how to read the items. She plans to hold meetings with each school staff to present a review and work through the report.
Request per Policy 4149 B: Regarding his service as an election poll worker, [employee] requested this service be granted as leave for public service, and that he plans to give the stipend to the District (stipend goes towards his wage for that day). Item moved to action agenda.
Master Plan Update: The Board has been meeting with MHTN at the Tech Center, using technology to help hone in on where we are going. Though there are no firm numbers yet, the concepts are starting to be distilled. Currently, the topic being discussed is whether to build one or two schools. Everyone invited to a meeting at HMK next Wednesday to tour the facility and join in a discussion on which option is educationally more sound. Suggestion made to prepare research based facts on which is better, rather than to base the choice on which is more cost effective.
Financial Training Request: In order to remain current and/or become progressive on what it takes to keep a school district running, President Jorgen asked if board members are interested in more “classes”, such as the recent tax class. Board members are interested in systematically getting more training.
Building Rental Agreement Update: Superintendent Hopkin explained a few of the issues that are coming up regarding the new rental agreement, such as the amount of the rent, as stated by the earlier group. The Board opted to consider this a trial year, and asked that Ms. Hopkin work with the various groups to help them adjust to the new standards during this period. She will also keep the board appraised of the issues and situations as they arise.
GrandAM Request: The mentoring group is nearing the end of their grant period and is asking the District for support for their program. Ms. Hopkin reminded board members that the BEACON Program is also nearing the end of their grant and will likely be needing the same support. The board hopes that as they study the tax structure and gain financial literacy they will be able to find ways to increase revenue in order to help fund these programs.
Superintendent’s Evaluation: Board members will consider the new evaluation instrument a “trail balloon” and follow-up on staff assignments by returning responses to Ms. Jorgen by March 6 for compilation.
Board Self-evaluation: Item postponed until after the bond election.
ACTION AGENDA
Consent Agenda: Ron Olsen moved to approve the consent agenda, with the inclusion of a request for a one year leave of absence, seconded by Deb Hren and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Approval of Policy 4114 B: Bryon Walston moved to approve Policy 4114 as posted, seconded by Ron Olsen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Intent to Bond: Jim Webster moved (and after discussion, amended his motion to read) that the board go to the voters of Grand County, in a bond election to be held on June 24, 2008, to approve construction of new facilities and repairs to existing facilities for up to $31,000,000, seconded by Deb Hren and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Leave Request for Public Service: Bryon Walston moved to grant the leave request for public service, rather than personal leave, according to rules and laws of the state, seconded by Ron Olsen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Out-of-State Travel Request: Bryon Walston moved to approve the out-of-state travel request for Native American Club members to attend a Pow Wow in Albuquerque, with full funding by the club and with proper chaperones, seconded by Jim Webster and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Calendar Date Change: Jim Webster moved to approve the change of August 25, 2008 to a K-12 grade early out day, seconded by Deb Hren and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Jim Webster proposed that a letter from the board be sent to the Legislature in support of a WPU increase. He will draft the letter for other members to sign. Mr. Webster also reported meeting with Utah Workforce Housing representatives Marcie Milligan and Richard Walker about the difficulty of recruiting and retaining staff due to housing expenses. They spoke about a partnership program where the district provides the property and they help with funding to build houses. Other board members expressed and interest in the concept and asked that further information be sought.
Kaaron Jorgen will be attending a meeting about the transition from high school to adulthood, and will bring back information.
At 8:36 p.m. Deb Hren moved to go into executive session the discuss personnel and legal matters, seconded by Jim Webster and unanimously approved by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION FEBRUARY 20, 2008
Meeting called to order at 8:45 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.
Meeting called to discuss personnel and legal matters. Meeting adjourned to regular meeting 9:12 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING - FEBRUARY 20, 2008
Meeting called to order at 9:12 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.
Jim Webster moved to approve the purchase of six months toward retirement for [employee], seconded by Ron Olsen and approved unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.