June 18, 2007 Board Meeting

Regular Special Meeting June 18, 2007
Midtown Center Meeting Room 5:00 PM

Minutes

At 5:10 PM, Chair Vern Newby called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Trustees Edie Brooks, Christie Wood, Sid Fredrickson and Diane Zipperer were present.

2007-2008 Budget Hearing – Chief Financial Officer Steve Briggs highlighted some new features of the budget packet. The 2008 budget is $82 million, $59 million in the general fund. Projected enrollment numbers for next year are 10,153. This number drives our funding. Mr. Briggs explained the plan in place to meet the 5% contingency plan by 2011. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation is attached to the original minutes.

Mr. Newby commented positively about the new format, Mrs. Wood concurred. Mr. Fredrickson asked about utilities and gasoline projected increases, Mr. Briggs stated that gasoline costs were projected to increase and there is an opportunity to amend the budget as needed. Mr. Fredrickson asked about the Medicaid reimbursement and how it compares from this year. As procedures are refined and staff trained, Mr. Briggs noted that the program should continue as it has been in the past. Mrs. Brooks asked about revenues from other sources - amended budget vs. proposed budget. Mr. Briggs noted that the amended budget incorporated transfers between special funds and general funds and that practice will no longer continue. Mrs. Brooks asked about the increase in purchased services within the general fund. Treasurer Julie Day responded this is due to contracted services within special services; grants and other revenue sources affect line items. Mrs. Brooks asked about supplies and materials in all other funds, “other sources”. Superintendent Amend thanked Steve and Julie and others for their effort to get this new format done in a single year. For anyone wishing to know about our budget, he would invite them to take advantage of this in a condensed version on our website. Mr. Briggs thanked Julie and her staff for their heroic efforts in getting this document together, especially considering the year we have had.

At 5:50 p.m. Chair Newby asked for questions from the audience; hearing none, the budget hearing was closed.

Approval of Minutes: Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Zipperer to approve the minutes of June 4, 2007 as revised, passed 5-0. Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the minutes of June 14, 2007, passed 5-0.

Approval of the Agenda – Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Wood to approve the agenda as presented, passed 5-0.
Identification of Citizens Wishing to Address the Board: None
Approval of Consent Agenda Items:

A. Personnel
B. Approve Affidavit of Truancy
C. Approve Bid Award for Security Camera Surveillance Systems
D. Approve Donation of Reader Board
Mrs. Brooks asked the reason for a security camera bid. Maintenance Director Bryan Martin stated that Project CDA asked to install a security camera system and the two high schools requested permission to expand their systems.

Motion by Mrs. Wood, second by Mr. Fredrickson to approve the consent agenda, passed 5-0.

Project C.D.A. Climbing Walls – Project CDA PE Teacher Harry Selby talked about the development of a PE program at Project and opportunities for students to be challenged. A climbing wall is an activity that would benefit students and is very helpful for students facing issues in their personal lives. Students learn the benefit of meeting challenges. This activity teaches self image, meeting challenges, leadership, problem solving and trust. He is asking for permission to pursue grant applications. Mrs. Brooks asked the location of the wall, which would be in the gym. Mrs. Wood noted the amount of parenting from teachers and staff for students at Project and she can see that this is a great tool. Mr. Fredrickson noted previous positive experience that came on a personal level at a camp where climbing was part of the program. Board action will be taken at a future meeting.

Synthetic Turf Fields – Superintendent Harry Amend introduced Craig Hunter and Josh Bebee, parents who first brought this idea to the high schools. Mr. Hunter offered a future, formal presentation if needed. A group of parents wanted to figure out how to provide this at no cost to the district; benefits are lower maintenance costs and added safety. The turf can be used for soccer, lacrosse, baseball, football, etc. and can be used 365 days a year. The material is ground up tires and rubber, all recycled. They are looking at corporate sponsorship for this and hope to raise half the money by September. The useful life of the product is 12 years. No field striping, no water or fertilizers are ever needed. Bryan Martin noted the cost savings of up to $40,000 yearly on repairs, water, etc. The estimated cost to prep the fields is $300,000 each which includes the drainage. The turf is $400,000 per field. Funds raised in the next 2 years will be held until enough money is raised. Josh Beebe spoke about the fundraising and the support from community leaders. They would like the saved maintenance funds to be earmarked for future maintenance and replacement needs after 12 years and will ask for unconditional district support. Some discussion followed regarding repairs and placement of advertising. Board action will be taken at a future meeting.

Bond Refinance - Eric Heringer, Seattle-Northwest Securities Corporation presented a summary of the bond refinancing at a level tax rate. Based on today’s interest rates, the savings are $365,000. The District has been assigned an A-1 rating through Moody’s. Motion by Mr. Fredrickson, second by Mrs. Brooks to approve Resolution No. 07-01 a resolution of the Board of Trustees of School District 271, Kootenai County, Idaho, authorizing the issuance and sale of general obligation school refunding bonds in the principal amount of $2,540,000 for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding general obligation school refunding bonds of the district; making findings and covenants; describing the refunding bonds and fixing the interest rates to be borne thereby; providing for the levy of taxes to pay the principal of and interest on the refunding bonds; providing for the use of the proceeds of the refunding bonds; establishing covenants concerning maintenance of the tax-exempt status of the interest thereon; establishing an escrow account and providing for the call and redemption of the bonds to be refunded; providing for related matters; and providing an effective date, passed 5-0.

Elementary Enrollment Update – Superintendent Harry Amend reported about recent enrollment information. Enrollment is down at Hayden Meadows, the pressure areas are Atlas and Skyway. No decisions have been made at this time and the administration will report further at July 2nd meeting. They are considering some ideas for the kindergarten level. Some boundary changes will likely be needed at the elementary level.

Call for Committee Reports – Chair Newby reported about attending recent graduations. Mrs. Brooks noted that the high school scheduling committee has not come to a resolution.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Amend reported that the June Long Range Planning Committee Meeting did not have a quorum. They plan to meet next in September. Mr. Amend shared handouts and letters regarding the upcoming Urban Renewal District Workshop.

Board Comments and Information – Mr. Fredrickson may arrive late to the workshop on Thursday.

The meeting recessed at 7:10 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:15 p.m.

Motion by Mrs. Brooks, second by Mr. Fredrickson for Executive Session: Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency, Roll Call Vote: Newby, Brooks, Wood, Fredrickson, Zipperer each “yes”.

The meeting returned to open session at 7:30 p.m. and adjourned.

Vernon L. Newby, Chair
Board of Trustees

Lynn M. Towne, Clerk
Board of Trustees

Summary Statement of Executive Session
At 7:15 PM, in accordance with Idaho Code 67-2345, Subsection c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency.

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