HUDSON SCHOOL DISTRICT: 7/8/08 Regular Meeting Minutes

Regular Board of Education Meeting

July 8, 2008

1. The regular meeting of the Hudson Board of Education was called to order by President Daniel Tjornehoj at approximately 6:30 p.m. in the Hudson High School Auditorium, 1501 Vine St., Hudson, WI. Members present: Brian Bell, Lynn Robson, Tom Holland, Daniel Tjornehoj, and Barbara Van Loenen. Administrators in attendance included Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten, District Deputy Director Nancy Sweet, Director of Financial Services Tim Erickson, Director of Learning Services Sandra Kovatch and Director of Student Services Barbara Rebhuhn.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Bell moved, with second by Robson, to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5-0.

4. Kovatch recognized Katie Cummings as a WIAA Scholar Athlete, noting there are only 32 winners statewide (16 boys and 16 girls).

5. Aaron M. Ludgatis, Benjamin N. Luehrs, and Peter J. Maki each spoke to the Board apologizing for their involvement in last year’s vandalism at Hudson High School and neighboring high schools.

6. Holland moved, with second by Van Loenen, to approve the June 10, 2008 regular and closed session Board of Education meeting minutes. Motion passed 5-0.

7. Holland reported receipt of thank you notes from Monica Bulla and Carl Meincke; and a letter from Linda Hansch expressing her concern for large class sizes in grades 2 and 4 at River Crest Elementary for 2008-09.

8.a. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten reported that Stephanie DeVos has been hired as the District’s new Athletic/Activities Director, and that she was selected from 57 internal and external applicants. She also highlighted awards and achievements Ms. DeVos received as a high school and college athlete and as an administrator/athletic director.

8.b. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten reported on River Crest sustainability highlights: The building orientation of River Crest Elementary maximizes light transmission into classrooms to reduce energy consumption; the building location preserves and protects wildlife habitat; the erosion control measures taken; landscaping designed to utilize native grasses; priority parking spaces for hybrid/high efficiency vehicles and car pools; and that bus ridership will be encouraged to reduce carbon emissions.

9.a. Kovatch presented the 2007-08 WKCE and MAP test results: A three year summary of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP); annual measurable objectives in reading and math; comparisons of Hudson to state WKCE scores in reading and math for grades 3-8 & 10 (noting that Hudson scored higher than the state averages at all grade levels); and improved writing scores in grade 4.

9.b. Associate Middle School Principal Jim Dalluhn presented a report of current and future program concerns and challenges at the Hudson Middle School in the classroom areas, core facilities (media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, weight room, multi-purpose room, office area, conference space, storage space, lockers); foundational content areas (language arts, math, social studies, science, world languages, art & music); and other content areas (family & consumer science, technology education, computer education, business education, geography, special education, gifted & talented and physical education/health.)

10.a. Holland moved, with second by Robson, to approve the consent items which included the amended personnel report (Attachment A); expenditures in the amount of $4,738,680.68, receipts in the amount of $9,549,122.41, payroll in the amount of $1,900,284.00, EFT/ACH payments in the amount of $1,438,420.30; and awarding the bread bid to Sara Lee for $49,942.90. Motion passed 5-0.

10.b. Bell moved, with second by Robson, to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Awarding the Sale of $5,185,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds; Providing the Form of the Bonds; and Levying a Tax in Connection Therewith. Motion passed 5-0.

10.c. Holland moved, with second by Van Loenen, to approve the following enrollment driven 2008-09 staffing additions: .20 FTE Elementary Learning Disabilities Teacher, .10 FTE Teacher for Gifted/ Talented, and 7.5 hours/day-182 days/year Special Education Assistant. Motion passed 5-0.

10.d. Bell moved, with second by Robson, to approve the 2008-09 plan for Student Services leadership as follows: Barbara Rebhuhn will continue as the Director of Student Services at 60% FTE; E.P. Rock Principal Amy Hamborg will assume additional duties coordinating the K-12 ESL program; and a special education teacher or student services professional will be recruited internally for a full-time 1-year (200 days) special assignment in the Student Services office. Motion passed 5-0.

10.e. Van Loenen moved, with second by Bell, to approve a proposed increase in 2008-09 lunch prices by .10¢ for elementary, middle, and high school student meals and .20¢ for adult meals, high school student/ adult breakfasts. Motion passed 5-0.

10.f. Holland moved, with second by Robson, to approve the 2008-09 budget goals as follows: 1) Maintain the high quality of a Hudson education and align with the long range strategic plan, HSD 2025; 2) Support the learning, operational, and facility needs of a growing District; 3) Open, staff and operate River Crest Elementary School; 4) Be fiscally responsible to our community’s owners by striving to continue to levy under the revenue cap; 5) Have actual expenditures for the year within 2% or less of budged expenditures; 6) Maintain the District’s commitment to fund the annual post-retirement contribution. Motion passed 5-0.

11.a. Robson reported the Personnel Committee reviewed the committee commission; discussed the 2008-09 additional staffing recommendation for enrollment growth or cost reduction; the 2008-09 plan for Student Services; and held a Closed Session for preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems and investigation of charges against an employee.

11.b. Holland reported the Facilities & Grounds Committee heard a River Crest construction update; a Middle School athletic complex update; discussed energy management planning-reducing plug loads; grade 6-12 space for learning planning (administrative option review, physical plant assessments, architectural support for decision-making); and the Coulee Trail and County Road F speed limits.

11.c. Bell reported the Finance Committee reviewed the committee commission; discussed the 2008-09 budget goals, the School Age Care program costs, the 2008-09 proposed lunch pricing, and refinancing of general obligation bonds.

12.13. No citizens spoke to the Board.

14. Bell moved, with second by Robson, to adjourn to Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85 (1)(f) for the purpose of preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems and investigation of charges against an employee. On a roll call vote, the Clerk recorded the following: Bell-yes, Holland-yes, Robson-yes, Tjornehoj-yes, Van Loenen-yes. Motion passed 5-0.

Tom Holland, Clerk

(Pub. Aug. 28)

Tags: meeting, minutes, publicnotices, hudson, school_district