March Board Minutes

EXCERPTS of USD #384 Regular Board of Education Meeting

A Regular Board of Education meeting for USD #384 Blue Valley was held on March 14, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room.  Members present were Bruce Kaump, Ivan Jones, Marla Webster, Russell Peterson, Carla Schroller, A.G. McLean.  Administration present were Brady Burton, Superintendent;  Marion Mazouch, High School and Middle School Principal; Jim McCormick, Olsburg Elementary School Principal; Melody Pfaff, Board Clerk

The Agenda was approved with the following additions: Add an additional hiring to 11.C. Hirings and another student to 11.D Out of State Trip Request.

Board and Guests recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

President, Bruce Kaump welcomed our guests.

During Open Forum Jan Dreith addressed the Board regarding the online language classes at Blue Valley High School.  The Board thanked her for coming and voicing her concerns.

POSITIVE BOARD COMMENTS:

1.     Marla Webster was excited to see the Middle School Scholar Bowl’s success.  Mrs. Shultz does an excellent job with the students.  Congratulations to all.

2.     Carla Schroller mentioned that the garden class planted their spring garden.  What great timing right before the snow. 

3.     Brady Burton commented on the great article that was in the Manhattan Mercury regarding the online courses at Blue Valley High School.  It shows how progressive our District is becoming.  Online classes will be taken in college and it is good experience for the students

Principal Reports were noted.  In addition, Marion Mazouch informed the Board that the language arts curriculum was approved for the 2011-2012 school year.  Language art teachers are pleased with the current language series and want to purchase some new novels and stories for this series. 

During his Superintendent Report Brady Burton informed the Board about the Governor’s allotment authority to cut state spending.  Nothing is finalized but the district needs to be prepared for some type of cuts.  There is also a bill on the legislature agenda to do away with the Fire Marshall’s office.  All of the inspections that were done across the state in the last 18 months will be reviewed.

The Consent Agenda was approved as follows:

A.    Approved Minutes of February 15, 2011 Regular Board Meeting

B.    Approved Activity/Revenue/Expenditure Reports

C.    Approved Hirings:  Patricia McReynolds-Halftime kindergarten aide; Jamie Duitsman-4^th grade teacher for the 2011-2012 school year; Craig Banman-High School Boys Track Coach; Bryon Nelson-Middle School Boys Track Coach

D.    Approved Out of State Trip Request and $500 to help pay for expenses:  Bobbi Anderson, Carlin Olson and Mrs. Nelson to Washington D.C. for BPA Leadership Conference

E.    Approved June 13, 2011 Board meeting date being moved to June 6, 2011

  John Bosch, school attorney, was in attendance to review the land contract the school entered into with Conderman Group.  The first right of refusal goes to the school within five years of the contract.  The Board would need to notify Conderman Group before June of their intentions to act on the first right of refusal.  The Board would like for Mr. Bosch and administration to gather more information on this item and present it at the April 11, 2011 board meeting.  The Board thanked Mr. Bosch for his advice.  No action was taken.

Matt Schreiber and Marion Mazouch presented information to the Board regarding online classes at Blue Valley High School.  Students have to be held accountable for assignments.  This program is offering many classes to students that would not normally be available.  Things are always being done to make them more successful for students and staff.  There will be changes taking place next year to make these classes go smoother.  The Board thanked Mr. Schreiber and Mr. Mazouch for the information.  No action was taken.

Warrants/Transfers were approved as presented.

Brady Burton presented a new Principal Evaluation Instrument.  This is a performance-based evaluation.  He asked the Board to look this over and see if there are any changes they would like to make.  Action will be taken on this item at the April 11, 2011 board meeting.  No action was taken.

An executive session was held to discuss Teacher Evaluations.  No action was taken.

Brady Burton presented a Board Self Evaluation Tool that needs to be filled out by each Board member.  Please return to Melody Pfaff by Monday, March 28 so Brady Burton can compile the information and present it at the April 11, 2011 Board Meeting. No action was taken.

Marion Mazouch put together a list of supplemental positions that would not have to be filled next year.  The Board will address this during Negotiations.  No action was taken.

An executive session was held to discuss Negotiations.  No action was taken.

Future Agenda Items:

A.    Principal Evaluations

B.    Board Self Evaluation

C.    Land Contract

D.    Negotiations

E.    Classified Staff – Executive Session

Meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Melody Pfaff

Board Clerk