District Leadership: Meeting Notes

October 8, 2007...

...Board Meeting Notes

by Randy Rivers

October 09, 2007

The Board spent an hour discussing BOARD GOALS. They reviewed their progress to date and began discussion surrounding curriculum and instruction. No action was taken. Goal setting will continue with a Special Meeting on October 29^th at 6:30 PM in the High School Band Room to listen to ideas and suggestions from classified staff.

Board President Broyles welcomed the public to the meeting. No patron wished to comment.

The Board voted to approve the CONSENT AGENDA that included:

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 10^th
Minutes of the Special Meeting of September 24^th
Treasurer's Report
Bills submitted for Payment
Northeast Elementary Activity Fund Report
Northeast High School Activity Fund Report

INFORMATION ITEMS

The Principals each gave a brief report on activities in their respective buildings. NHS Athletic Director, Ken Cleland, shared information with the Board about an invitation received from members of the Three Rivers League to apply for membership. There has been some interest from parents to investigate this option. The administration will continue to seek input from students and community members on this topic.
Larry Hill reported on the recent Site Council Meeting and Curriculum Director Nicki Traul reviewed the Curriculum Council and Subject Area Committee Meetings highlights with the Board.
Superintendent Rivers reported that district enrollment is down for a second year. The enrollment was down thirteen (13) students in 2006 and is down another fourteen (14) students this year. The median enrollment for the District is 586 students and the mean enrollment for the past 15 years is 574 students. Current enrollment is 556 students. Mr. Rivers also encouraged Board members to attend the Kansas Association of School Board's (KASB) Fall Regional meeting in Fort Scott on Thursday, October 18^th and to consider attending the KASB Preparation for Negotiations Seminar in Topeka on November 7^th.
Attorney Kevin Mitchelson provided the Board with a primer on proper use of executive session.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Attorney Kevin Mitchelson also presented the Board with suggested policies for personal use of district vehicles and equipment, background checks for classified employees, and student attendance at vocational programs in other districts. The Board agreed to study the proposed policies and to address them at the regular November meeting.
The Board discussed options for training employees to take over district office duties in anticipation of possible retirement scenarios. The Superintendent was directed to develop job descriptions and a suggested timeline for the implementation of four positions. A board clerk / business manager position, a treasurer / accounts payable clerk position, the lead high school secretary position and an assistant high school secretary position. This information will be presented to the Board at its November meeting for continued discussion and possible action.

The Board entered into a series of EXECUTIVE SESSIONS to discuss Non-Elected Personnel.

After the Executive Sessions, Attorney Mitchelson assisted Board President Broyles in making a statement that the Executive Sessions were held to discuss non-elected classified and certified staff in order to protect their rights to privacy and that no action would be taken.

Board Member Yartz made a motion that all District vehicles be returned to the transportation barn each day and checked out as needed from the transportation director and that mileage be documented.

Board Attorney Kevin Mitchelson commented that Mr.Yartz's motion was not a topic of discussion during Executive Session.

The motion failed and the meeting adjourned.