REGULAR MEETING - JANUARY 16, 2008
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. with board members, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster in attendance, along with Superintendent Margaret Hopkin, Business Administrator Doug Cannon, Secretary Pat Nielsen, Principals Sherrie Buckingham, Stephen Hren, Taryn Kay, and Melinda Snow, Bernie and Paula Radcliffe, Lynn Carpenter, Joanne Savoie, Leonard Francis, Bruce Hucko, Patty Jones, Ron Georg, Elizabeth and Carmelita Jimenez, Daniel and Melody Clyde, Randy Jensen, Tonya John, Grace Tyler and Ann White.
Bryon Walston conducted the meeting. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Doug Cannon.
RECOGNITIONS
Blue Ribbon awards were given to Bernie & Paula Radcliffe (track coaches); Lynn Carpenter (art calendars); and Bruce Hucko (photography and radio classes). Also recognized were GCHS Students of the Month for December (Elizabeth Jimenez and Daniel Clyde) and January (Grace Tyler and Leonard Francis).
AUDIT REPORT
Randy Jensen, representing the audit team at Haynie & Company, briefly reported that the District had received a clean, non-qualified report; the few exceptions being some deposits for school lunch that did not fall within the 3-day deposit requirement; and a few problems with the high school accounting (now resolved). The report has been submitted to the state as required.
The LEEDS School presentation has been postponed until MHTN is available to explain the energy efficient school program.
STAFF REPORTS
Superintendent Hopkin gave a handout on legislative bills, and explained how to find daily updates; she reported that Mr. Sweeten is still interested in pursuing a Community Learning Center instead of a new VoTec building; the District had received approval for the repeater station; and the food services dilemma at the Charter School had been resolved with their hiring a person to oversee the serving, etc. in order to meet state requirements; and San Juan School District is looking to purchase land in the Spanish Valley area – not to build a school now, but for future planning purposes.
Doug Cannon reported receiving a letter from Diane Carroll regarding the County’s resolution to give 52% of mineral lease / PILT monies to the school district. Board asked that this money be accounted for and that a member of the board attend the meeting regarding PILT funding next year.
Administrators reported on school activities, including GCMS students earning the privilege of viewing National Treasure, with information from history teachers that aligned what they would be viewing with historical accounts learned in grades 3-8; a proposed trip for GCMS math teachers to a conference in Las Vegas; the outstanding work being done with Native American students by Mr. Jenkinson and Mrs. Clark; the debate team’s upcoming trip to Columbia University; continued checking of grades for all students at the high school – and the upcoming incentive day for those with no D’s of F’s; Athena Hawks taking second in state for VFW; plans for the RRE Leadership Team to review/discuss “homework” at this level; and work to better identify students who should be included in UALPA tests. Mr. Hren also briefed the Board on the UBSCT October re-takes by presenting a handout showing statistics, and commenting on the difference the Native American class has made in helping to raise the number of these students who passed.
Student Board Member, Stephen Stocks reported the Senior Snowball dance is upcoming; how the winter sports teams are doing; and the drama club preparing to perform Arsenic and Old Lace in March. Mr. Stocks then complimented the maturity of the MS Student Council, who had come to the HS Student Council about a fund raiser for school supplies.
GEA asked about the results of the Assessment Team (the report is expected the end of January or first of February); members of GEA attending an upcoming Western Regional Conference; and thanked Ms. Hopkin for the positive information made available at a recent presentation to the staff.
Board President, Kaaron Jorgen, arrived at 7:00 p.m.
INFO/REPORTS
District in Need of Improvement: Ms. Hopkin briefly explained the District’s status, and introduced Ann White from the Assessment Team that has been visiting staff, parents, students, and others in the District this week.
Cell Phone Policy: A sample policy from USBA was presented, and it was suggested that a Student Use of Cell Phones section be added, and possibly charging a fee to adults for their personal use of district-issued cell phones. It was also pointed out that HB295 is before the legislature this year, and perhaps any action on a policy should be postponed until this is completed.
USBA Conference Feedback: Comments about the conference included, “informative”, “busy with the architects,” interesting update on the upcoming legislative session by Steve Peterson (be aware...vouchers issues are not dead); Bert Jolley’s talk on taxes was a very understandable explanation – which brought the realization that Grand’s tax effort is low. “If you are not doing all you can locally, it doesn’t happen elsewhere!”
Master Plan Update: Upcoming forum scheduled for January 23, 7:00 p.m. at the City’s Council Chamber.
Bonding Issues: Mr. Cannon said the District needs to select a banking institution to 1) refinance the current bond; and 2) work with the district on the upcoming bonding process. Board asked him to investigate the costs, and decided to leave it to the discretion of Mr. Cannon and Superintendent Hopkin, then if the answer is not an obvious one they may return to the board.
CEU Partnership Potential – VoTec: Kaaron Jorgen explained how legislation had “killed” the Applied Technology College, and charged CEU to provide these offerings to southeast Utah. At a recent meeting with CEU representatives on “what are you going to do to help Grand” it became apparent that they were not able to offer anything. The Board is inclined to not “help” CEU by allowing them to create funding for their own program while not really helping the School District.
Annual Committees Review: The list of committees was reviewed and updated.
Superintendent’s Evaluation: Pat charged to come up with a more updated copy. The evaluation will take place in February.
ACTION AGENDA
Consent Agenda: Kaaron Jorgen moved to approve the consent agenda with the addition of the January 10th minutes and a personnel item (minutes and financial report for December, resignation of Eileen VanWuyckhuyse, GCMS Para-educator), seconded by Jim Webster and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Policy 4114B: Ron Olsen moved to accept revisions to Policy 4114B as posted, seconded by Jim Webster and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
Trip Request: Ron Olsen moved to approve the trip request for GCMS math teachers, seconded by Deb Hren. Discussion involved asking about where the cost for the trip would come from (Quality Teaching funds). Vote called and motion passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Jim Webster recognized the letter from “Footprints” showing support of the schools by donating what they would have paid in taxes if the voted leeway had passed. The board felt that this donation should go for something specific and the purchase noted in a letter of thanks.
At 8:15 p.m. Kaaron Jorgen moved to go into executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters, seconded by Ron Olsen and passed unanimously by Kaaron Jorgen, Bryon Walston, Ron Olsen, Deb Hren and Jim Webster.
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EXECUTIVE SESSION JANUARY 16, 2008
Meeting called to order at 8:20 p.m. with all 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 and adjourned at 9:00 p.m.