OFFICIAL MINUTES
JT SCHOOL DISTRICT #342
CULDESAC, ID 83524
The Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in the School Library as posted. Those in attendance were Chairman Cecil Martin, Vice-chairman Lori Zenner, Trustees Richard Grant, Kathryn Bomar and Bryce Scrimsher, Superintendent Darrell Olson, Principal Loretta Stowers, Clerk/Treasurer Loretta Hammond-Nichols, five staff and eight patrons.
ORDER/SALUTE – Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. and those present joined in the flag salute.
SUPERINTEDNENT REPORT
*BUDGET STATUS – August report shows the M&O buffer of $5,389.00. Superintendent Olson reported that the unrestricted Fund Balance will be used to fill the holes in the budget once the Audit is complete. Instructional materials are needed for the classrooms as well as adjusting the classified wages and hours to maintain the operations of the school.
*ISBA Conference-The November meeting will need to be changed to allow the Trustees to attend the training.
*REGION II – ISBA meeting is October 4th in Lewiston at the Timber Creek Buffet at 6:00 p.m.
*REAP Grant award of $12,663.00 received to assist in making AYP and Title I Program.
*STATE Bid Contract for Propone will be used for the two tanks that the school uses.
PRINCIPAL REPORT
COOP SPORTS TRAVEL-Currently Volleyball owes for practice travel at the .55 cent federal rate for mileage. The Student funds will not be able to afford that rate. Not all sports have their own account and some with minimal balances. The Coach is driving the van and taking our students with them to practice at Highland. Insurance will not cover parents to drive. We need to provide equity for all sports. Administrative decision was to allow the use of the Van in hopes the Levy would pass. However, the levy did not pass and the district has no funds for sports travel expenses. The ASB account can’t be used for the individual sports travel. Volleyball has enough to cover this first billing, but not for long at that rate. I believe we need to support the opportunity for the students to participate.
Chairman asked the Board to give the Principal direction on the Board’s intent for the sports travel from the previous meeting. We will need to add this item to the agenda.
Trustee Lori Zenner commented that Junior High does not have any accounts. Why is the student account paying since the motion was for parents to pay for the use of the van.
Superintendent explained that permission was given for the Coach to use the van and provide transportation for volleyball practice until the Levy passed and funding would be available. Since the Levy did not pass an alternative needs to be addressed. The Board needs to decide what they want done. The other sports do not have an employee who is the coach and will not be able to drive the van. We are not paying for the drive time as we did last year.
PUBLIC COMMENTS included: that the Junior High Football practice every day with games on Friday, Volleyball season goes through October, Lewiston Tribune article on Culdesac was good regarding the lack of extras, Nezperce County just approved a 3% tax raise that does not have to be voter approved which will hurt the school trying to run their levy again, levy rate from Nezperce County Auditor is lower than the levy rate information received by Trustee for Levy from the Nezperce County, Sports could pay for the fuel versus the federal travel rate, Federal Impact Aid funding available – Superintendent response of No, 99% funding available – response of that percentage rate changed to 97% with the percentage used for the budget and this is the last year for the percentage guarantee, staff asked that the community stay positive and continue to support the school and would like the open enrollment students to attend without tuition.
BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Lori Zenner accepted the patron challenge of calling families and asked why they took their students to other
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schools. The reasons varied from bullying, administration concerns, small classes, lack of friends, personality of student,
no sports, future of school, students doing well at new school and not interested in returning to Culdesac. The total number of students who left from my zone is five.
Trustee Kathryn Bomar called families as well from her zone to find out why students are attending another school. The information she received included: administration issues, bullying, class size, lost of sports, worried school would close, could not believe levy did not pass and students doing well and not planning to return to Culdesac. The total is about 30 some students which include a family of 10 but they home school due to religious beliefs. A good suggestion that Trustees get a background check before serving. The Board are the only ones who do not. Employees are required to have background checks to work at schools.
Patrons thanked the Trustees for finding out the information.
Trustee Richard Grant missed the last meeting due to camping.
Chairman thanked those patrons who attended last week and shared their concerns. The Board needs to take time to listen to the community to allow everyone to speak. Families he spoke with that voted no stated some of the same reasons due to low class sizes, not enough students for socialization, not offering enough options and staff issues. We need to check the levy figures before the next election.
CONSENT AGENDA (Agenda/Minutes/Finance Report/Current Bills/Employee Leave Report Approval/Bus Route & Safety Busing Approval/County Certification Approval/Management Discussion and Analysis Approval/Retirees Benefit Report/ Renewal of State Bulk Fuel & Heating Contract Bid) – plus addition of Coop Sports Travel under Unfinished Business.
Lori Zenner moved to accept the consent agenda with revisions as presented. Seconded by Richard Grant/Motion passed.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
LEVY DISCUSSION
Chairman noted that November is the next date available to run the levy election but money can’t be collected until the following year since the election is past the September deadline for the County. The other dates are in March and May. Patrons noted their concern at the last meeting that November would be too soon and not a good time with Christmas around the corner. The election could be run again this spring.
Trustee Richard Grant commented that the 3% tax raised by Nezperce County is not good timing for the school.
Superintendent Olson asked that the Board make a timely decision to allow enough duration to educate the community. The state funding does not look stable. The more time to get the information out there to the public will give the school a better chance to get support and help pass the levy. We need to let the people know that if the levy does not pass the concern is that Culdesac will not keep their school.
Trustee Richard Grant suggested that all residents be assessed a fair share of the levy versus land owners paying the majority of the taxes. He contacted Nezperce County with the questions regarding everyone paying the same amount and distributing the cost evenly. The farmers are carrying the cost of the levy with the homeowners not paying the same amount. If you ask for too much, then the levy won’t pass.
Trustee Lori Zenner expressed that to show respect to the teachers and staff the levy should be ran in March to give them stability that the school plans to continue. It is sad that we are operating on barebones. We want to provide a quality education. We need to see how the economy goes.
Trustee Kathy Bomar noted that the consensus of the previous meeting with the public was that they would support a multi-year levy of two years. Our curriculum needs new textbooks.
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Chairman explained that the $350,000.00 levy failed and then the $250,000.00 levy failed and to continue to lower the levy request is only going to be a bandaid fix, if the levy does pass. The school won’t be able to bring back some of the cut programs. The school will continue to operate at a basic level. We need to address facility issues and keep up with building maintenance as well as address instructional materials for the classroom. We need the community to support the cost of the extras and get our reserves back up. Property values continue to decline which affect market value.
Principal Stowers commented that our staff is great in finding additional resources to provide a good education for the students at Culdesac. We have a great staff of teachers and paraprofessionals working at the school.
Patron explained that many people voted the levy down since they were unhappy with the Administration and Board.
Several ballots were returned due to lack of postage and the community is looking for answers and needed to vent their concerns. If you continue to lower the levy request you only lose your integrity regarding the needs of the school. The school needs to promote itself to get the enrollment numbers up.
Chairman explained that the school will need to think outside the box to survive. A multi year levy might be great the first year then with inflation the second year might be tight again. We have not seen the bottom of this economy.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher explained that he heard complaints that the $350,000.00 request was to high to support but the $250,000.00 request was more affordable with the March date a good time to attempt the levy again.
Superintendent explained that he will be listening to Superintendent Luna’s Legislative Budget request for next year.
Revenue projections are down 4% and the State Legislature has not always funded the Education Budget request.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher explained that area schools ran their levy for similar amounts but are now wishing that they had raised their requests.
Trustee Richard Grant commented that with many people out of jobs that $250,000.00 levy would be better. We can get more information at the November ISBA meeting.
Chairman asked that by the January meeting the Board set the levy amount. The meetings will continue to discuss the levy and get input to help set the amount.
PTSA offered to provide a survey regarding levy amount options with the number of years that people would support the levy and inform them that the levy replaces the previous one that expired. The levy is not in addition to the old one. The community needs to understand the needs, get education on how the funding works and know the cost to keep the school running. They need to know what their dollars are buying. We can provide flyers with the information.
Chairman asked that the survey be delivered in ample time to allow the feedback to be used for the levy information.
Kathy Bomar, Lori Zenner and Bryce Scrimsher agreed that the survey was a good idea.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
Superintendent explained that the public asked that this item be addressed again.
Chairman noted that this item is again being revisited. There are pro/cons to changing the Board decision. Mr. Martin went on record of supporting the Board decision to charge tuition for open enrollment students.
Trustee Kathy Bomar commented that the ten open enrollment students are gone to other schools now. Two students who are interested in returning are special needs.
Chairman noted that additional costs are needed for special needs students which were asked for in the $350,000.00 levy that failed. Open enrollment is an annual consideration and should be addressed when that item comes around.
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Trustee Richard Grant noted that the tuition issue was due to budget constraints.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher reminded the Board that at the last meeting people supported open enrollment students and did not want the Board to charge tuition. The more students who attended will raise our enrollment and then maybe we could provide our own sports.
Chairman responded that the ten lost students were not enough to provide a team for sports.
Trustee Lori Zenner commented that with additional special needs students the budget of $5,000.00 buffer does not cover the costs.
Principal Stowers reminded the Board that they have a policy which denies open enrollment if a program is full. They need to follow their policy.
Superintendent explained that the Special Education Program is full and for those special needs students, open enrollment would be denied. Due to financial situation we can’t strain the budget with our backs against the wall now. The public does not understand the additional cost for special needs students. You have to serve their needs whether you have the funds or not. This means the regular education for the remaining students goes without to provide for the special needs. We heard many complaints this past year regarding problems patrons had with discipline issues regarding special need students. The inequity of federal funding for these students is a burden on the schools. The amount of money for seat time does not offset the cost of services.
Chairman noted that special needs cost would put the District in the red with only $5,000.00 buffer this year.
Patron asked that open enrollment students be screened and information regarding needs be reviewed before accepted.
Superintendent answered that process is in place but at later date during testing the student is evaluated with needs and then service must be provided after they are attending at Culdesac. The funding is for 6% special needs and our population is at 25%. Estimated cost is about $150,000.00 for these students. Education funds pay for one staff per 20 students enrolled.
Trustee Lori Zenner explained that the State sets the Tuition rate on what it cost the school per student from the previous year.
Chairman explained that funding follows the following year for special needs students for federal dollars.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher moved to accept the out of district studends according to policy without a tuition rate charge. Seconded by Kathy Bomar.
Chairman asked for discussion.
Trustee Lori Zenner asked if parents would have to go through the process again. Superintendent response – yes.
Chairman asked for vote on the motion. Ayes – 2 /Nays – no response.
Chairman asked for a vote from the two Board members as he was going to abstain by not voting- again no response.
Chairman asked for a final vote from the other two Board members: no response.
Clerk asked if the two members were abstaining for the record since they did not vote - Both members abstained.
Chairman announced motion fails for lack of majority.
SURPLUS PLYMOUTH VAN BIDS
Chairman Cecil Martin received the only bid. He read the bid of $300.00 from Mr. Gary Renshaw
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Trustee Richard Grant asked the Superintendent what the Blue Book amount was for the van.
Superintendent Olson responded that the van was declared surplus and did not have a value due to the age of the vehicle. The Board does have the option to reject the bid.
Trustee Kathy Bomar moved to accept the $300.00 bid for the surplus van. Seconded by Lori Zenner/Motion passed.
CLASSIFIED HOURS AND RATES
Superintendent presented the request for wage adjustment to classified staff with restoring staff to 40 hour weeks.
The Board gave me permission to work with the budget in getting the adjustments as needed. The staff need the 40 hours to comply with additional ISEE reports. Both the Clerk and Secretary will be working 40 hours.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher informed the Board that he was stepping out of the meeting to abstain from the discussion/decision of the classified issue.
Mr. Olson reported that the Aides have stepped up and helped out the past several years during wage freezes and cutbacks. We need to pay the staff for their time. The custodial position has been divided between the Aides to get them additional hours with the 4 day school week at $10.25 per hour. Carol Hunt is lead custodian as oversight for the summer duties at $14.00 per hour. Joe Hasenoehrl will be back up at 200 hours if maintenance is needed. Melanie Gibbs is helping with grounds since summer at the $10.25 rate. The classified staff have done a great job and the building is the cleanest I have seen it. Mindy Scrimsher will be doing the POS/Cafeteria position at $9.25 per hour which before she was at the sub rate. The Aide rates for the classroom will remain the same for federal funds.
Chairman noted that the school is fortunate to have dedicated staff and thanked them for their time.
Trustee Kathy Bomar moved to accept the classified staff adjustments as presented. Seconded by Richard Grant/Motion passed.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher was asked to join the meeting again.
SCHOOL HOUSE
Chairman asked what should be done with the vacant school house. Previous Administration have lived there. Now we need to consider what options are available as the part time Administration will not be using the house.
Trustee Kathy Bomar suggested renting the place. It is not good to let the place remain vacant.
Chairman remarked that the District does not want the headaches of a landlord as we have enough on our plate.
Trustee Lori Zenner asked if other schools have houses. Response by Superintendent - that some do. If it is going to remain vacant, we may want to sell it at a later date.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher reminded that the Board may want to keep the house for future Administrators.
Chairman noted that it could be an asset in hiring since the community does not have adequate housing to meet the needs of the Administrators.
Trustees Kathy Bomar and Lori Zenner also agreed to keep the house.
Trustee Richard Grant asked if staff were interested in renting the house.
Chairman commented that might create another issue regarding staff and contracts. Both rental insurance and the maintenance costs for the house are minimal.
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COOP SPORTS TRAVEL
Principal Loretta Stowers explained that the Student Accounts can’t afford to pay the federal mileage rate. The Volleyball account will reimburse the District for the use of the van, but after this Friday, other arrangements are needed. Without the levy passing the School does not have any funding to pay for sport transportation costs. All sports need to be given the same consideration.
Chairman explained that all sports have to be treated equally.
Trustee Bryce Scrimsher explained that staff drove the van for practice. Other sports won’t have that opportunity. If another staff is not available to drive, then parents can drive the van. The parents could pay for the fuel versus the 55 cent rate.
Superintendent commented that Title IX requires that all sports be treated equal. Title IX applies to all areas of school not just sports.
Chairman explained that insurance will not cover parents driving the school van. The school does not want to become a collection agency. The total number of participants is part of the Title IX issue.
Superintendent reported that several parents requested the use of the van for volleyball. The coach drove the van and took the players to Highland. When the levy did not pass, then an alternative was needed.
Principal noted that it was convenient for the coach to drive the students to Highland for Volleyball but that situation will not be available to the other sports. I need until Friday to let the parents know their options.
Trustee Kathy Bomar remarked that not all the coaches will be from Culdesac and we dissolved the financial responsibility with Highland. What we do for one sport, we need to do for the other sports.
Principal Stowers is going to contact IHSAA regarding the different requirements for Junior vs Senior High regulations or if K-6 have guidelines. I will be attending a workshop in October regarding Title IX issues.
Patron commented that Junior High Football is at Highland this year but a student does not have transportation to attend. The Junior Cross Country Coach is here and practices at home. Volleyball is the only sport using the van. The school has two vans but no staff driver for the second one.
Superintendent explained in Washington the schools scaled down sports for boys to offset the number of girls who participated. Superintendent suggested that parents pay the fuel cost as the student accounts do not have the funds for any further transportation costs. The District does not have any funds to pay drivers this year.
Chairman responded that is not the case at Culdesac with more girls participating than boys for Title IX concerns.
Trustee Lori Zenner asked that the August meeting motion that parents transport their own kids for all sports be followed.
Bryce Scrimsher asked that just the fuel cost be charged versus the 55 cent rate for the Volleyball expenses.
Chairman asked that a motion be made to clarify intent.
Trustee Lori Zenner moved that parents provide their own kids transportation for the sports coop as of Monday, September 18, 2011. Seconded by Richard Grant/Motion passed.
BREAK – 5 Minutes
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NEW BUSINESS
ALTERNATE COUNSELOR CERTIFICATION APPROVAL
Principal Stowers requested the Board approve the alternative method for the counseling certificate on behalf of Mrs. Morris who is the Science and Ag Teacher. She has her Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling and only needs two classes for the Pupil personnel endorsement requirements. The state will give her three years to complete the certification requirements. Mrs. Stowers asked the Board to pay the $100.00 application fee since the school benefits from this additional endorsement. The motion needs to state that this is an area of need for the school.
Chairman encouraged the Board to pay the $100.00 fee as the staff is paying for her credits.
Superintendent noted that the graduate credits at University of Idaho are about $450.00 per credit. Each class is usually three credits.
Trustee Lori Zenner moved to approve the Alternate Counselor Certification for Shannon Morris with the District paying the $100.00 application fee as this is an area of need that exits in the District. Seconded by Richard Grant/Motion passed.
PORTABLE CLASSROOM BUILDING
Superintendent announced that the modular has been used for storage these past two years due to declining enrollment. The enrollment does not look to be increasing in the next five years. Other schools may be interested in purchasing the classrooms. The Board can let others know at the ISBA Conference that we will be selling it. The modular is about 13 years old with 2 classrooms and 2 ADA bathrooms. It has a heat/air conditioner unit as well. The classrooms are connected by a hallway. The building has a metal roof.
Chairman noted the building was purchased when the student enrollment was at about 200 kids. We will need an appraisal for a reasonable minimum.
Trustee Richard Grant would like a base price set. He did not want to sell it at fire sale price.
Trustee Kathy Bomar asked if anyone had any inquiries? Response - Superintendent did not know of any at this time.
Superintendent thought that the school could disconnect utilities and winterize the unit.
Trustee Kathy Bomar moved to put the modular out to bid as surplus property. Seconded by Lori Zenner/Motion passed.
Clerk asked what time line for publication purposes – Board replied with November.
CHANGE DATE FOR NOVEMBER BOARD MEETING
Superintendent explained that the ISBA Conference is the week of the regular meeting in November. The Board normally moves the meeting back to the following Wednesday to allow the Trustees to attend the training. This year the conference is in Coeur d’Alene.
Richard Grant moved to change the November meeting due to the conflict with the ISBA Conference to November 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Bryce Scrimsher/Motion passed.
Bryce Scrimsher and Kathy Bomar notified Clerk regarding attending the Region II meeting in Lewiston on October 4th.
ADJOURNED: 10:00 P.M.
_________________________________ ____________________________________
Chairman Clerk
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