School Board
Agenda
Minutes
Public Participation
Trustees
Strategic Plan


The Trustees of Whitefish School District No. 44 and High School met in regular session on June 9, 2008 in the District Board Meeting Room.

Members Present:         Chairperson Dave Fern, Ruth Harrison, Shannon Hanson, Mike Ferda, Pat Jarvi, Eric Hosek, and Brian McDowell.

Members Absent:          None.

Officials Present:          Superintendent Jerry House and District Clerk Danelle Reisch.

Call to Order

Chairperson Fern called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Review and Revision of the Agenda

There were no changes.

 

Public Comment

Shaun Bubb from MSGIA addressed the board regarding the property and casualty program currently available.

Minutes

Chairperson Fern requested comments and changes to the minutes of the May 7 special meeting, the May 13 regular meeting and the May 27 work session.  Shannon Hanson moved to approve the minutes as presented.  Ruth Harrison seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Administrative Staff Reports

District Clerk Reisch presented the following reports for discussion:

Superintendent House presented information on the following:

Action Items

Approval - Student Handbook Updates
Superintendent House recommended approval of the following handbooks reviewed at the May
work session:

Ruth Harrison moved to table the High School handbook pending discussion of non-accredited schools.  Shannon Hanson seconded the motion and it failed 3–4 with Harrison, Hanson and Fern in favor and Hosek, Ferda, Jarvi (check with Dave) and McDowell opposed.

Ruth Harrison moved to approve the handbooks as presented.  Mike Ferda seconded the motion and it carried 6-1 with Mike Ferda opposed.

 

Bulldog Broadcasting Contract

Superintendent House recommended approval of a 10-year contract with Bee Broadcasting for broadcasting Bulldog athletic contests.

The board expressed concern about the term of the contract, the lack of an option to cancel the contract and the exclusivity regarding activities and sports.

Eric Hosek moved to table the contract as presented.  Pat Jarvi seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Adoption of Science Materials

Superintendent House requested approval of the science materials reviewed at the May work session.  Pat Jarvi moved to approve the science materials as presented.  Shannon Hanson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Curriculum Updates

Superintendent House recommended approval of the curriculum updates reviewed at the May work session.  Shannon Hanson moved to approve the curriculum updates as presented.  Ruth Harrison seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. 

BP 3350, 3305-F1, 3305-F2 Drug and Alcohol Testing-First Reading

Superintendent House presented the voluntary drug and alcohol testing policy for first reading.

Penny Porterfield requested the board not adopt the policy.  She expressed concern that other alternatives have not been exhausted, additional education needs to be provided. She also expressed support for a closed campus and the need for a drug and alcohol counselor.

Miriam Lewis read a memo to the board resulting from community meetings regarding the proposed drug and alcohol policy.

Terry Balaska requested the board look toward a long-term benefit.

Alicia Blake echoed the memo read to the board and encouraged the board not to pass the policy until all other options have been exhausted.

Michelle Berry informed the board the committee is researching potential funding for an alternative program including a drug and alcohol counselor.

Joe Coco reported that drug-testing is effective when included as part of a comprehensive program.  He also fully supports the policy.

Stephanie Kenkel expressed concern about the cost of the program as well as the lack of education as part of the policy.

Steve Bryson recommended reviewing the voluntary “award” makes it a coerced policy;  concern about testing sending the message of implicit guilt; the need for a student assistance professional in the school; the lack of delineation of use, abuse and addiction; and legal obligation of notification of parents or law enforcement.

Corrine Gaynor endorsed a closed campus.

The board discussed the policy in conjunction with Policy 3351 as well as alternatives to drug testing, the need for a student assistance professional, the frequency of testing, and the 75% participating team clause.

Mike Ferda moved to approve Policy 3350 with the following changes:  Eliminate 75% of Participant Listing.  Brian McDowell seconded the motion. 

Pat Jarvi made an amendment for Policy 3350 to include an educational component as well as a student assistance program before implementation.  Eric Hosek seconded the amendment.  The amendment carried 5-2 with Ferda and Hosek opposed.

The motion carried 4-3 with Hosek, Jarvi and Harrison opposed.

BP 3351, Reasonable Suspicion for Drug and Alcohol Use – First Reading

Superintendent House recommended approval of Policy 3351.  Mike Ferda moved to approve Policy 3351 with a provision outlining first, second and third offense, including a verification test.  Pat Jarvi seconded the motion and it carried 5-2 with Hanson and Hosek opposed.

Re-election of Certified Staff

Superintendent House recommended re-election of certified staff as presented.  Pat Jarvi moved to approve the re-election of certified staff.  Ruth Harrison seconded the motion and it carried unanimously, with Mike Ferda abstaining.

2008-09 WEA Collective Bargaining Agreement

Superintendent House recommended approval the WEA Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2008-09 including a 3% increase on the base, two additional extra-duty stipends and a $39/month increase in district-paid health insurance.  Ruth Harrison moved to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement for 2008-09. Pat Jarvi seconded the motion and it carried 6-0 with Mike Ferda abstaining.

Consent Agenda

Bills and Payroll

District Clerk Reisch requested approval of the payment of the following bills and payroll for May:

Individual Transportation Contracts

District Clerk Reisch requested approval of individual transportation contracts as presented.

Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement

Superintendent House requested approval of the annual interlocal agreement with Flathead Crossroads to meet the needs to students who have severe emotional and behavioral needs.

Personnel – Approval of Transfer/Hire

Superintendent House requested approval of the following transfers/hires:

 

Extra Curricular Staffing for 2008-09

Superintendent House requested approval of the Extra-curricular staff as provided by Athletic Director Jackie Fuller.

 

Personnel – Approval of Retirement/Resignation

Superintendent House requested approval of the following retirements and resignations:

Non-Resident Student

Superintendent House requested approval of one non-resident student request.

Pat Jarvi moved to approve the consent agenda as presented.  Shannon Hanson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Adjourn

At 10:35 p.m. Shannon Hanson moved to adjourn the meeting.  Ruth Harrison seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

 

                                                                        7/8/08
Chairperson of the Board                                   Date                

 

                                                                        7/8/08
Attest:  Clerk to the Board                                 Date