Minutes of the Work Session of the Board of Trustees of Whitefish School District No. 44 and High School Held
May 27, 2008
The Trustees of Whitefish School District No. 44 and High School met for a work session on May 27, 2008 in the Whitefish Middle School Multi-Purpose Room.
Members Present: Chairperson Dave Fern, Brian McDowell, Ruth Harrison, Shannon Hanson, Erick Hosek, and Pat Jarvi.
Members Absent: Brian McDowell and Mike Ferda.
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
There was none.
Recognition of Retirees
Chairperson Dave Fern recognized the following retirees:
- Jim Thormahlen – WHS Counselor
- Iola Mason – WMS Teacher
- Robin Zeal – Muldown Teacher
- Betsy West – Muldown Teacher
- Sue Klassen was not available but was recognized as well
Chairperson Fern also recognized graduating Student Representative Kevin McDowell. Kevin introduced Katie McGunagle who will serve as the student representative next fall.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent House the following:
- Personnel Review
- Superintendent House reviewed the open positions
Student Handbooks
- Muldown – Principal Jill Rocksund presented minor changes to the parent/student handbook included absences, visitor cell phone use, health screenings, student illness, and inclement weather.
- WMS Principal Kerry Drown and Dave Thomas presented changes to the WMS handbook including activities, absences, cell phones, sexual harassment, school property, and computer use.
- Jeff Peck and Kent Paulson presented minor changes to the WHS handbook including early graduation and Running Start. Jackie Fuller presented the Activity Handbook changes including
- Whitefish Independent HS Principal Bobbie Barrett presented minor changes in the WIHS handbook including increased fees for participation, towels and lockers.
Health Enhancement
Curriculum Director Bobbie Barrett provided information to the board regarding the K-12 Health Enhancement Curriculum including nutrition, drug and alcohol education and the Ropes Course Curriculum.
Science K-8
Curriculum Director Bobbie Barrett and teachers Ginny Baldwin and Josh Branstetter expressed the need to spend additional time on science and presented instructional materials.
Writing Project (K-10)
Curriculum Director Bobbie Barrett presented information about teaching writing in the district including staff training.
Math – 7th -8th
Curriculum Director Bobbie Barrett reminded the board the Everyday Math program was adopted for K-6 last year creating a need to review the 7-8 program and include a materials adoption.
Drug and Alcohol Discussion
Superintendent House presented information regarding drug and alcohol testing of students, including a revised policy for a voluntary testing program for student athletic and activity participants. He requested the board make a decision at the June 9 meeting about whether to move forward with a drug testing policy or not.
Adjourn
Ruth Harrison moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:10 p.m. Shannon Hanson seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.
6/9/08
Chairperson of the Board Date
6/9/08
Attest: Clerk to the Board Date