by Larry Luikart
President Davis called the meeting to order leading the assembled group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call was taken with Director Jolley absent. The agenda was approved. There were no Public Comments for either session on the agenda.
The administration did provide an answer to the Homecoming Dance location requested by Mr. Rodriquez at the previous session. The students responsible for the activity reported it was their decision to have the dance in the location used.
President Davis and Superintendant Payler presented a Bobcat Pride certificate to every member of the Save Our Schools committee in appreciation for their work in promoting the BEST Grant passage.
The minutes for the regular meeting October 17, 2017, were reviewed and approved. A Critical Shortage Declaration as per HB17-1176 was presented. This Consent Agenda item permits the District to hire individuals who are retired teachers, school bus drivers, and food service cooks without impacting their PERA (Public Employee Retirement Association) benefits. There are strict guidelines to this declaration the District is required to follow. Approved.
Business Manager Amy Perschbacher presented her report concentrating on the transfer of funds to Capital Projects Fund and the Receipt of Transportation Reimbursement from Colorado Department of Education, (CDE).
The Board Committee reports were heard. Legislation had no report at this time. FFA reported $12,000 in income from the Oyster Fry. The expenses were $2,000 netting the FFA $10,000 in profit. The BOCES Special Ed individual is leaving February 1, 2018.
President Davis acknowledged the dedicated service of Robert Jolley and the Board had a very nice gift for him. He was not in attendance unfortunately and the gift will be presented to him at a later date.
President Davis proceeded with swearing in the new Board Members, Doreen Newcomb and Jim Parks. The new members took their seats and the first act of their tenure was the selection of Board Offices. President Davis was reelected to her position as President by a vote of three to two. Director Shy and Vice-President Lee voting “no.” No explanation was given for their dissent. Vice-President Lee ran unopposed for reelection. Director Newcomb ran unopposed for Secretary / Treasurer. The voting was unanimous for both individuals.
The Committee Assignments were determined next: FFA- Director Shy, BOCES- President Davis, Accountability- Director Parks, Preschool- Director Newcomb, Legislative- Vice-President Lee and Reduction in Force- Vice-President Lee and Director Shy.
Gina Huffman was approved as a Secretary Substitute. The Check Vouchers and Financial Reports were approved. The SAC Goals for 2017 and the Colorado Rural School Alliance were both approved. Joy Parrish, Athletic Director presented two proposals regarding PE Credit for Athletics and elective credit for Athletic Managers. A student may receive one credit in four years for each activity. Approved.
Since the BEST Grant Bond issue passed the Board continued the implementation process by approving the BEST Grant contract with the State of Colorado and the approval of an Owner’s Representative, NV5 of Denver Colorado at a cost not to exceed $236,031. The Owner’s Representative acts as the overall manager for the completion of the BEST Grant.
The Board heard a request for TLC Traveling Smiles to provide dental care to students. The proposal indicated there would be no cost to the schools and minimal costs to parents for the service. Approved. The E911 Intergovernmental Agreement was also approved.
The Board discussed membership in the Colorado Rural School Alliance. This alliance is essentially a lobbying group that promotes issues important to schools. The cost for membership is $1,050 per year. The Board approved the request with a three to two vote. Vice-President Lee and Director shy voted “no.”
The election of new Board members required a approval of an action item to Use Current Bank Account signatures. The Board also approved a measure to due road maintenance on the road behind the school and the Bus Barn. This measure will involve grading and the application of road base.
Principal Christensen reported on the continued implementation of the 90-day plans and the use of the Root Cellar to help students understand the root meaning of words. Assistant Principal Krissi Camper invited any Board member to come to the classrooms to see the innovative and engaging leaning activities. She thanked the local CCIRA chapter for sponsoring the Family Literacy Night scheduled for January 25, 2018. She provided a wealth of data regarding the First Quarter Behavior. The data helps to determine areas in the District where behavior is good and where on occasion intervention is necessary.
Athletic Director Joy Parrish indicated success in fall sports. Micah Zeller place 10th in Cross Country state competition. The Cross-Country team placed 11th overall. David Kinsey rushed for over 1,000 yards in football and the Volleyball team for the fourth year in a row went to regionals. Elizabeth Mullet placed 3rd in the state in Aces. The outside scoreboard cannot be repaired. The cost for a new one will be $10,000. High School basketball will have both girls and boys JV teams this year.
Superintendent Payler in his report indicated he met with the FAC (Faculty Action Committee). The discussion included a number of topics with security as important.
He indicated the offsite drill, while a bit taxing for the students, is necessary. The new behavior system is supported by staff, but it does have some areas that need tweaking.
The sale of Bonds to generate the funds for the BEST grant will be sold beginning in late January or early February 2018.
No Executive Session was required. The next regular Board meeting is December 12, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. in the school library.