HUDSON SCHOOL DISTRICT: 8/12/08 Regular Meeting Minutes

(Pub. Sept. 25)

Regular Board of Education Meeting

August 12, 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, Cindy Crimmins, Mark Kaisersatt, Lynn Robson, Daniel Tjornehoj, and Barbara Van Loenen. Administrators in attendance included Superintend-ent 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.

President Tjornehoj appointed Crimmins as Acting Clerk.

3. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten requested the following agenda revisions: Consent item 3.- Employee Assistance Program Contract with FamilyMeans removed from consent and made item 9.d.; consent item 4.-Early Childhood/ Head Start Collaboration Agreement removed from consent and made item 9.e.; the remaining consent items moved to item 9.f.; consent item 5.-Policy 5403: Students with Disabilities renumbered as 3.; actions item 9.b.-New Hudson School District Logo becomes 9.a.; 9.c.-2008-09 Staffing Additions becomes 9.b.; and 9.d.-Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Service Contract becomes 9.c.

Robson moved, with second by Kaisersatt, to approve the agenda as revised. Motion passed 6-0.

4. Susie Gilbert and Tricia Christiansen presented a contribution to the Gateway on behalf of the Hudson Community Foundation.

5. Crimmins moved, with second by Bell, to approve the July 8, 2008 regular and closed session Board of Education meeting minutes. Motion passed 6-0.

6. Crimmins noted receipt of a thank you from Scott Huffman.

7.a. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten announced the River Crest Elementary Dedication Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm with numerous learning activities/games and a picnic lunch at River Crest Elementary and YMCA-Camp St. Croix. Information will be updated on the District website.

7.b. Communication Specialist Tracy Habisch-Ahlin presented a sample of the River Crest Elementary signs that will be displayed throughout the building to identify the sustainability features and to assist the public in self-guided tours of the building. In addition, she reported that the Andersen Corporation is creating a brochure with a map that will also be available at the building.

8.a. Hoffman representatives Mark Hanson, Mark Boelke, Catherine Cruickshank, Mike Borski, and Sam Statz presented an overview of the construction process for River Crest Elementary including the project goals; the definition of a sustainable school; the school design elements; the criteria for a Gold LEED© rating; a regional comparison of the school construction costs that identified River Crest as below conventional cost at only $167 per square foot, as opposed to $185 per square foot; the site design for safe circulation of traffic; natural and sustainable landscaping; interior and exterior natural color scheme; wind-swept prairie or wave design incorporated throughout the inside and outside of the building; the functional layout of the building to capture and utilize natural sunlight; the water savings realized by using waterless urinals and dual flush toilets; all resulting in a 21st century school built on schedule and under budget.

8.b. Director of Learning Services Sandra Kovatch and the building principals, Ed Lucas-High School, Dan Koch-Middle School, Amy Hamborg-E.P. Rock Elementary, Susie Prather-Hudson Prairie Elementary, Ann Mitchell-Houlton Elementary, Dolf Schmidt-North Hudson Elementary, and David Grambow-Willow River Elementary each presented their school’s 2007-08 SMART Goal results, along with additional accomplishments, barriers to overcome and methods to address those barriers.

8.c. Director of Financial Services Tim Erickson presented the 2007-08 4th quarter financials and fund balance report.

8.d. Director of Financial Services Tim Erickson presented the 2008-09 preliminary budget, which included the budget assumptions; general fund balances; mill rate calculation on the 2008-09 levy; and the projected budget amounts for the revenue and expenditure funds. Director Erickson emphasized that there will be modifications as more information is released prior to October certification.

9.a. Crimmins moved, with second by Bell, to approve the new Hudson School District logo. Motion passed 6-0.

9.b. Crimmins moved, with second by Kaisersatt, to approve the 2008-09 staffing additions as follows: .08 FTE Elementary Art Teacher, .285 FTE Elementary Physical Education Teacher, .6 FTE Elementary Music Teacher, .75 FTE Communication Specialist, and .17 FTE High School Business Education Teacher (one year only). Motion passed 6-0.

9.c. Crimmins moved, with second by Kaisersatt, to approve a contract with Nancy Shepherd for Occupational Therapy Assistant services. Motion passed 6-0.

9.d. Kaisersatt moved, with second Bell, to approve the continuation of an employee assistance program contract with FamilyMeans. Motion passed 6-0.

9.e. Crimmins moved, with second by Robson, to approve the continuation of an Early Childhood/Head Start Collaboration Agreement. Motion passed 6-0.

9.f. Bell moved, with second by Crimmins, to approve the consent items which included the amended personnel report (Attachment A); expenditures in the amount of $4,074,876.48, receipts in the amount of $969,496.27, payroll in the amount of $1,153,290.23, EFT/ACH payments in the amount of $745,089.69; and revisions to Policy #5403-Students with Disabilities. Motion passed 6-0.

10.a. Van Loenen reported the Learning and Program Development Committee drafted their committee commission; reviewed two focus areas (reading/literacy and implementation of the science curriculum); the structure for the SMART Goal presentation; and assessment results.

10.b. President Tjornehoj reported the Governance and Policy Committee drafted their committee commission; discussed paperless Board meetings; the 2008-09 Superintendent/District goals; the 6-12 space for learning process; a date for a Board work session; communication about River Crest sustainability; reviewed special education policy revisions; and dates for future meetings.

10.c. Kaisersatt reported the Personnel and Negotiations Committee reviewed a staffing update; the employee assistance program contract with FamilyMeans; and discussed a stipend for administrators/coordinators/supervisors who do not take the health insurance.

10.d. Bell reported the Finance Committee reviewed the IT services energy reduction plan; the 2007-08 fourth quarter financial reports; and the 2008-09 preliminary budget.

11. One citizen spoke to the Board.

12. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten and Board members responded to the citizen’s concerns.

13. Bell moved, with second by Crimmins, 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, Crimmins-yes, Kaisersatt-yes, Robson-yes, Tjornehoj-yes, Van Loenen-yes. Motion passed 6-0.

Cindy Crimmins, Acting Clerk

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