HUDSON SCHOOL DISTRICT: 11/11/08 Regular Board of Education Meeting Minutes

(Pub. Dec. 18)

November 11, 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 Multi-Purpose Room, River Crest Elementary, 535 County Road F. Members present: Brian Bell, Cindy Crimmins, Tom Holland, Mark Kaisersatt, Lynn Robson, Daniel Tjornehoj, and Barbara Van Loenen. Administrators in attendance included Superintendent Mary Bowen-Eggebraaten, District Deputy Director Nancy Sweet, and Director of Learning Services Sandra Kovatch.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten requested that item 8.d. under Topics for Action be moved after the Closed Session as item 12.a. Crimmins moved, with second by Robson to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed on a voice vote.

4. Kaisersatt moved, with second by Bell, to approve the October 14, 2008 regular and closed session Board of Education meeting minutes. Van Loenen noted the sentence in the second paragraph should be corrected to read as follows: “Vice President Kaisersatt appointed Cindy Crimmins as Acting Clerk”. Kaisersatt withdrew his motion. Crimmins moved, with second by Kaisersatt to approve the minutes as corrected. Motion passed on a voice vote.

5. Gordy Boos presented a $5000 contribution to the Gateway on behalf of The River Bank.

6a. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten presented an update of the Gateway fund-raising contributions and reported $10,000 had been received from the William H. Phipps Foundation. $65,000+ has been raised or pledged to date.

6b. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten reported that the elementary enrollment had increased by 35 more students since the official count was taken on the third Friday in September.

6c. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten encouraged Board members to attend the 2009 State Education Convention in Milwaukee on January 20-23, 2009. The Hudson School District will be making a presentation regarding HSD 2025 and Hoffman will be highlighting River Crest Elementary in their presentation.

7a. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten, Associate High School Principal Wendy Langer, North Hudson Elementary Principal Dolf Schmidt and Houlton Elementary Principal Ann Mitchell explained the differences between a traditional k-12 system and the Hudson School District system for learning. The Hudson School District is moving toward a more integrated, connected system of actions and initiatives to maximize results. They further explained how the District’s vision, purpose, beliefs, and graduate learner outcomes are incorporated into the learning system through the SMART goals, learning interventions, best practices and assessment.

8a. Van Loenen moved, with second by Robson, to approve the proposed remodeling plan for the entryway at E.P. Rock Elementary to provide more safety and security. Motion passed on a voice vote.

8b. Crimmins moved, with sec-ond by Holland, to approve the addition of the following courses at Hudson High School for 2009-10: Project Lead the Way: Introduction to Engineering Design; Advanced Placement U.S. Government & Politics; and Orchestra. Motion passed on a voice vote.

8c. Holland moved, with second by Van Loenen, to approve the proposed 2008-09 plan to address grade 2 enrollment at River Crest Elementary which included:

(1) Communicating with parents of 2nd grade River Crest students and offer on a voluntary basis their child’s transfer (along with any siblings) to E.P. Rock Elementary school; transportation provided; and with assurance of completion of elementary years at E.P. Rock.

(2) Following parent response from voluntary transfer offer, review status of 2nd grade enrollment at River Crest to determine if enrollments merit any further action.

(3) If enrollment remains nearly the same, provide a part-time educational assistant for grade 2 (specific schedule and job description to be determined by the Principal in consultation with the 2nd grade teachers.) (

4) Continue to monitor enrollment and, if necessary, assign any new 2nd grade students (and siblings) to E.P. Rock Elementary. One citizen spoke to the Board concerning this topic. Motion passed on a voice vote.

8e. Kaisersatt moved, with second by Robson, to approve the consent items which included the personnel report (Attachment A); expenditures in the amount of $1,939,438.69, receipts in the amount of $528,851.67, payroll in the amount of $2,438,545,69, and EFT/ACH payments in the amount of $9,433,975.12; 2008-09 Youth Options as presented. Motion passed on a voice vote.

Holland excused himself from the meeting.

8f. Crimmins moved, with second by Bell, to approve expenditures to St. Croix Valley YMCA and Camp St. Croix in the amount of $7,444.00. Motion passed on a voice vote.

Holland rejoined the meeting.

9a. Van Loenen reported that on 10/16/08, the Learning & Program Development Committee discussed the addition of courses at the High School, an ACT on-line preparation course that students could access from home; the direction for the K-12 world language course; District goals for HSD 2025 update; and Youth Options.

9b. Kaisersatt reported that on 10/28/08, the Personnel & Negotiations Committee discussed how to handle elementary classes which exceed the class size guidelines and the staff implications; and had a Closed Session for the purpose of considering employment and compensation of a public employee and to prepare for employee negotiations.

9c. Holland reported that on 10/29/08, the Facilities & Grounds Committee discussed the E.P. Rock entry remodeling plan; Willow River fire update and security measures; and a safety/security project proposal for additional school cameras.

9d. Bell reported that on 11/3/08, the Finance Committee had a Closed Session for the purpose of deliberating over and conducting specific public business referring to a potential financial agreement which requires a closed session for competitive reasons. During the open session of the meeting, the Committee discussed the school forest agreement with the City of Hudson; administration of the tax-deferred retirement plans; the first quarter financial report; and Hoffman’s incentive fee for River Crest construction management.

10. One citizen spoke to the Board.

11. Superintendent Bowen-Eggebraaten responded to the citizen’s concern.

12. Bell moved, with second by Crimmins, to adjourn to Closed Session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85 (1)(c) for the purpose of considering employment and compensation of a public employee; and (e) for the purpose of deliberating over and conducting specific public business referring to a potential financial agreement which requires a Closed Session for competitive reasons and to prepare for employee negotiations with all represented groups. On a roll call vote, the Clerk recorded the following: Bell-yes, Crimmins-yes, Holland-yes, Kaisersatt-yes, Robson-yes, Tjornehoj-yes, Van Loenen-yes. Motion passed 7-0.

Tom Holland, Clerk

Tags: publicnotices, hudson, school_board, minutes