001Hi Dan. >> Hey us. Okay. I got you loud and clear. Okay. Okay, I think we'll go ahead and call the meeting to order. We have a quorum. Um Roxan is on Zoom and Chris is busy cabin tonight. We'll have six of us here. We have a special tonight. Um Mrs. Van Lake and her students are going to sing the national anthem in L of the plagues. So in a different key so that sounded really You see what's as gleaming Dreaming was silent. Thank you. So we came tonight also to talk to you about barberh shop festival. So um every year in February in Idaho they host a barber shop festival and it involves a lot of schools from a lot of smaller area schools who don't get to sing with the choirs a lot.
002So we have some students who want to give you a little bit of an information about what they have enjoyed about barber shop. >> Um one of the main things that I enjoy about barbershop festival is going and meeting people who also love to sing. And I love making music with people and hearing it and being in like the room where it happens like how you guys were with us. And it's just so many people who love to sing and love to be together. And I love hearing about how their school does things and all sorts of stuff. and they're from Idaho. So, it's like, "Oh, you're from Idaho. We're from Montana." >> Um, it's a really cool experience to meet others with talents that we never really knew because we are from different states
003and their teachers are so awesome and they teach them a lot of skills that we didn't even know that they had or that was out there. And it's I've been going for all four years. Um, I'm a senior now and it's it's always a memory that I enjoy looking back every single year. And it's made my high school experience, especially in choir, so much better because not only does it make me stronger with my singing, but getting to do it with a lot of new people every year and especially new students because there's at least like hundreds and hundreds of us and a lot of cool voices and it's really loud and it's a big opportunity. So, What time do you want? >> Um, so last year while we at Barberhop said, I don't know
004if you guys know Barberhop has a lot of do competitions to try and see who is the best, right? And people do quartets and they do choirs and they do all kinds of things and once they win the international competition, they're not allowed to compete anymore. Then they become um ambassadors for Barberhop. So last year we had a group of these ambassadors. They're called themselves the association of international champions and they came and made a video last year at our festival the show to the people who donate money to make these festivals possible because they have them throughout the country all over the place. But Rexburg is one that has been doing this the longest. So they've had it consistently for 26 years. So they came to record our festival and they talked to some
005of our kids. Um, we talked to teachers and they made a video and we'd like to show it. Pretty cool. all your programs. It's really they come from schools that like schools and this is often times Wait, that's need experience for you year after year. Come on into great birthday. We're going to sing to you in barber shop. sister. We appreciate you. >> Thank you. You can come to a concert if you want to come to New York. >> Okay, next we have the introduction of visitors. Mr. Henkins. But we had Mr. of course and I kid Sharon Ferguson was there was an ads um Emma Lotus of course then Warren Max Jurgensson Harley Johnson Lewis Gidy Gentry Elliot and then Ashley Welcome everyone. Next item is the review of the minutes from the December
0068th meeting and then the December 30th special meeting. I believe Josh sent those out to everybody if you had a chance to look at them. December 8th regular meeting and the December 30th meeting. >> Second move and seconded to approve the minutes from the December 8th and December 30th meeting. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, those in favor say I. >> I. Those opposed passes unanimously. Next we have the claims and accounts. We have eight pages and accounts and some are kind of starting to become redundant to me. So I'm just going to kind of go page by page like I have in the past. But if there's something that jumps out at you, just let me know again because I'm I see electric bills. I've seen gas bills. I was going to hold that.
007Says, "Is there anything on the first page if you have a question? Look to page two. First one you'll see is item 24.95 after bill. You can see it was $12,18.31. And then you'll start to see some of the same things that you know some reoccurring costs that we had on the inspector to bus supplies maintenance things of that nature and a lot of miscellaneous. Next there's item for the middle of page 20496. That's our our fuel bill brown and Thompson oil for buses. That's 13,3665. That's pretty pretty standard there too. But if anything else specific some of the itemization on that list, any questions? I don't have anything specific to point out here, but I'm happy to answer the question. You might have that thing on me. >> The 254. I forget what that
008is. 254 that's our comp CCT match. What is it? Comprehensive stands for it's for our our program to work with students that um may need some further assistance or the therapeutic counseling. >> Okay. >> Similar to YBGR, >> right? >> So you'll actually going to see another one. The last pages is our YZBR group. Actually went to Suzan to kind of help me explain why there too. Um, and so we get we have to there's a match that we have to as a district make and then we get a reimbursement and we're reimbured way more than what this this match cost over $7,000 Suzanne and this is just the match for November the 7th. Any other questions on page seven? page four. Then really major um but somewhat costly nonetheless. Nothing that's going to break
009our transportation budget though. Last I heard we have all of our activity buses up and running. We struggled to keep all five. And one of them always wants to go down. >> Yeah. I saw what sitting in twin bridges the other day. >> Yeah. >> Questions in page four. We'll move to page five. Pretty standard items there. Anything on page five? Move to page six. Just one point I wasn't going to but um pointing out that Barry Barn West Electric that's for work that's $1,373.99 that's for work done on the locker room pocket on the girls locker room you get some electrical work done some outlets added the coaches office which had one outlet now they have several outlets and so we had to create a full wall and and run some electricity I think
010very reasonable price there what we got out of it moving on to page seven then and there's item 2531 Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch that's our CSCP again um $1894 46 cents, but that's for August, September, and October. That's three months worth of services there. And we do get reimbured reimbured, reimbured for a portion of of the what we spend on this. So, it's a very valuable service, I believe, but it does seem to uh the cost of it seems to increase every year. How many students are involved? No, I believe we have around 20 space. I think that's about what we can do. Anybody replace goes on leave currently. We don't that's a concern. So hopefully they'll be able to find additional staff that we interviewed a a person that they're continuing to >>
011we have a total of 45 claims, 43 vendors for a total of 87,7 $75948. Little little lighter this month, which makes my heart happy. And then that last page, you can see the breakdown of the expenses for the month based on fund. I guess one I'll call your attention to is 217 adult education because that's one you don't see on here often. That's $4,144.69 61 cents because we are doing some art related classes, a ceramics class that we are offering and a painting related class um for the first time in a long time. Angela Rayot, art teacher and so that's why you see those funds being accessed. We had some funds from previous years now to purchase paint supplies and play. Cool. This is on the flames. >> So move to pay the claims. >>
012Second to pay the claims and accounts if presented. Is there any discussion or other questions? Those in favor say I. >> I. Passes unanimously. Next we have um public comment. Is there any communication or public comment? See none. We'll go on to the superintendent report. >> What's wrong? Yes. >> Quick question. We have there's been talk about possible school calendar changes and I'm curious if there will be a time there will be public input about that or a meeting or what the process will be for that. >> So there I have proposed some school calendar changes to the staff. I'm working with our our union the BF teachers and um so I work with with my staff internally usually don't put that out to public. You go round and round and you never arrive at
013the actual calendar. And so I'm going to present that hopefully at the February board meeting which will be that second Monday in February and uh hopefully to uh first of all I have to get support majority support teaching say I move forward there. I also meet with the elementary. We have a calendar committee and although we want to to uh stay as close as we can to the elementary calendar, >> I believe that it's my job to do what's best for the high school and I understand it's their job to do what to do what they feel is best for the elementary. So that may cause some deviations of our calendar, but nothing dramatic. Have I proposed some dramatic things? Yeah, but we've revised those significantly. I guess one concern just as a parent that
014has kids in both schools is >> it helps as a parent if the schools are somewhat aligned. >> Yes. >> So you don't have kids out and kids in and so that's just my concern as a parent that we have input into that >> 100%. And I've got kids involved as well. Yeah. So it's I've got skin in the game. My wife would not be happy with me if I did anything too crazy. >> Okay. >> But what I would like to do again is work with elementary. One thing I will say um is that when you have a calendar that's that starts a little earlier, it gives you more flexibility in the school year, especially around breaks. I have heard not from everybody in the community but from some members um that especially this
015year in Christmas break we were we were out and it was Christmas Eve and if you got kids especially littles you turn around and you're it's it's Santa Claus time and there's not much time to spend on those holiday activities. So I do believe that there's some you know in giving some thought to that provides some time for families um around some breaks. I I do believe though that breaks are sometimes can be they can be too long and learning loss can occur when breaks are too long. So I try to keep that in mind as well. >> That's just I guess a little sneak peek of what's to come for the February meeting and Gary we'll meet and I'll kind of give you an idea of what's coming. Okay. And uh go from there.
016>> So it will be presented in February then. So I guess when would the finalized schedule be presented? So, I would hope that the board would vote. That's my attention. I simp need to make sure I've got majority support and staff. There's two options out now. And both um both of them are starting a week early essentially than we have in the past. Gives me five extra days that I can use to strategically place. Um which still get off fair as we normally do. Fair happens odd this year because it's happen a little it happens a little later. Um, one of the reasons I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself. I I don't I don't think it's would hurt getting information out sooner rather than later. So, the reasoning that helps us with the
017high school with that is allow us to test sooner for our our local assessments so we can get data back on where our students are at in math, reading, and science. And we essentially have a week and a half before fair if we do that. It also allows us to go ahead and get our orientation date for freshman out of the way, the 9th through the 10th through 12th grade, first day back. Then we got a week. We get our MBI stuff done, our beaver basics, kind of setting our our character and expectations for students and our testing. I think we can get it all done in that window, break, come back and actually begin instruction rather than we really don't start instruction until a couple days after fair. I just like to start a
018little sooner. It also allows for the high school to have a more clean break for semesters. So instead of having to come back two and a half weeks and finish first semester, we can actually finish before Christmas, right at Christmas. So we get first quarter, second quarter, first semester done, come back from the break and actually start third quarter, second semester. It's not perfect, but it's something I'm willing to compromise with and just to give it a try. >> Would that affect the end of the year then? That's the biggest. So, we would get out the we would get out um the very end of of May and the the elementary would possibly go a week longer. >> So, how does that affect? So, you've got so your state tournaments all around that week before
019graduation with that and that usually so usually finals week is that week after. How would that align I guess with that? >> So, finals week will still be the last week just like it has been in the past. So eventually we have finals then we have that half day and then we're out and and again odd because Memorial Day falls on 31st this year. It really stresses the schedule. So we would be finished this elementary would come back essentially go four more I think four more days. I want to put words in their mouth. I'm guessing >> um and based off initial conversations I've had with their calendar committee that's I'm assuming what they're going to do. They've historically not gone before Labor Day. I have some differences of opinion about that. I respect their
020opinion. I believe there's research of facts and really beneficial for elementary to start sooner rather than later. I understand where we live in a very largely agrarian economy and farming and ranching, especially the ranching plays an important role and I know that there be families still haying some and I want to be respectful of that and not start super early. But again, I guess when I put my hat on, if I take my parent hat off and I put my school hat on, I'm here to try to do what's best for kids so they can be most successful. And so that's why I'm proposing a schedule that's different than what people have experienced here in the past. >> So I guess they still the end of the year though. So you'd have kids finals week
021and kids are possibly doing state tournaments. >> Oh, so yeah, there'll be kids that the kids doing state tournament. We're going to have to figure out makeups and something for them to do for that. It's going to that's going to be a challenge. It's going to be a challenge regardless. >> Yeah, that's going to be hard. >> Yeah. But what I will say is 57% of the schools in Montana in before June 1st. 57%. And so if if if they can find a way to do it, we can. What we'll do in terms of gear now, this this is going to affect finals and thankfully we have to enough time to plan and prepare for that. We may have to get a little creative. maybe have kids. I don't know if we're have have them
022take finals early, just have them take it when they get back, whatever. But this is going to be some uh we're going to have to figure out some flexible ways so we can ensure that they are successful and not overt taxed or stressed or but in terms of gear return essentially, I don't think it'll be a big problem because I've worked in other districts where they've done that where you got your kids that are coming back from whether it's state golf or track and they just turn in their gear when they return, bring it to the school. If not, we will hold a transcript until we get that that year back, which is I believe in our current policy. Um, or we'll or or until such time as the cost of that year has been.
023>> Is there any thought? So, in my opinion, this is just my opinion, um, those days they have before Labor Day to me have been kind of a waste in previous years. They go for a couple days, they don't really do anything, which I think is partly why the elementary goes after because they found that those days are not very useful or productive for the kids. Is that a thought? Is that anything you guys have noticed as educators um that those days maybe aren't as productive as just letting start after Labor Day or >> I think a few can be productive. If you're just if you just get in our expectations for high school kids, then then we can work with it. I think we had what three this year maybe and so we're able
024to get our freshman in and then I think all the kids for three days. So we were able to work on our our NDI our character expectations our behavior expectations build classroom still sylli and of course had some time for you know to meet with counselor and things like that. Um and so there again though we don't hit the ground running until after Labor Day. It just shortens the time. So think about it this way. What time of year do your do your high stakes assessments usually occur? Those times ever change whether it's elementary or high school. They don't. There's certain time of year, right? So if you know that schools that start earlier have more time to prepare for those assessments than schools that start later. So that's another part of this piece strategy
025behind that. Another thing I'd mention for high school's benefit is our calendars are more closely aligned to postsecary. Now, I don't know if we'll ever get to as close to starting as they do because they start I believe any Western folks here. I know they're their whole the block system is a little different, but I usually start around closer to the beginning of August, right? And they usually get out I think semester finals are like first week of December. >> Typically, it's it's um like this year I think it was August 18th. Um next year it's going to be um August. We're actually talking about trying to push it back to be honest with you. Um 2026 is August 17th is when it begins and they're actually trying to push it back um one week
026to closer to August 24th. So just as a >> and because of Western's block scheduling, could it help us with additional dual enrollment classes? Most of our dual enrollment we can provide because we have teachers that are certified through Western or through other colleges in the state. However, it does help with other colleges that have the more traditional scheduling format um where you could take an online course. Let's say the college because most colleges do start around the first or second week of August. So, sometimes that limits your access or could potentially be a barrier to access to those courses. >> I know my boys at their four-year universities, they start actually they start the first Wednesday in September. >> Yeah, >> I think that's a more common for a four-year university. It's actually September.
027But um yeah, no, I appreciate the answers and you take my question. >> Sure. Okay. Thank you very much. >> Uh I have a question also. Um I knew my kids are yet in elementary school, but I have stakes in the um high school schedule because some kids would be in high school here. And um you mentioned a couple of different proposed schedules for starting. Are you willing to share um those publicly? Like what are you looking at? >> Oh, if I had it uh don't have one with Let me just pull up my phone. I can see what I got. San Francisco. >> Okay. So in both scenarios, not students starting that teacher teacher would start back the 17th, 18th, and 9th. That would be our our teacher work days prep. I don't always
028think we'll need three days for that, but because we at the high school are transitioning to a new student information system which will align more with the elementary because I'm sure you're familiar with infinite campus. High school's power student. We're going to we're shifting the infinite campus to more aligned with the elementary way really will help us with the data transition from elementary to high school. Um freshman's first day will be the 20th first day for all high school students for the 21st. So essentially that's Thursday and Friday. Then we have the week, the last week of August, last full week. The 24th to 28th is the week we get in the rest of our expectations and NBI a maternal behavior initiative um and classroom expectations. We'll take a couple days for that and then
029essentially we'll have about a week about five days, six days to do our max testing before we break. I believe it is the third and fourth for fair days as yeah because Labor Day is the second. So it'll be all third, fourth and the set. And so that's how how the start of the school year is a >> Thank you. >> Any other comment or questions? Communications Superintendent report. Um Dan is on screen and was going to talk to us about our ASIT building. I think he was at under 9.1 if that's okay. I'd like to move Dan up to right now if that's okay. Josh works for me. Dan, can you hear us? Okay, >> I can. Yes. Yeah. Dan printed out that agenda one and all the all the trustees have a copy
030of that. >> Oh, okay. Great. I um sent in today just a draft or an example of the typical monthly report that I'll send or when there's decisions or discussions about scopes that they need to be present. But that'll be a typical kind of format of my agenda. Um just for your guys' information. As we have more information, those things will start to get filled up and that'll be a record of our documentation from what I see on site. And as the contractor becomes engaged, we'll have more data from our weekly meetings, photos, drawings, pay applications. So, that's just a a format I wanted to get in front of you to share. Um but what the the item for 9.1 is we received a draft contract from Langless. Uh there's comments that I have that
031I've been you know over the last week and a half. I've been going through it making notes suggestions based on other contracts that we've had. mainly the biggest one is in the um it's item 12.1 which is the legal you know if we have any conflicts and it's obviously a little sensitive with with our current project that we're working on but um I'm putting the language in that's more consistent with what the state of Montana uh guides as well as other private legal for schools. So, I've got some notes, but tonight what I was hoping to do is have the board of trustees uh give authority to the board chair that once all those revisions have been made and accepted by both parties to give authority to, you know, Gary Love to uh make that
032official with a signature. So basically giving him authority to sign that contract once legal counsel has given approval uh from your side and I've already let laying list know there's revisions that are going to be coming but really it's so that we can kind of finish dotting the eyes and crossing the tees on that contract. So that's what 9.1 was for, is just to give the board chair or somebody within that facilities group the authority to sign the final contract once legal counsel has approved it. >> Okay, you have any questions of Dan? And what this is, sorry, just to add on to it, it's the these are the T's and C's and really what we're approving is the preconstruction services only and we will come back to an addendum that will come to the
033full board once we actually have a guaranteed maximum price for the solutions that have been designed. So there will be another uh step in that before they would start construction. uh if our budgeting exceeds what we have funding for, we don't have any obligation beyond this pre-construction work and we may have to look at going back to the drawing board and figuring out what the solution and if there's a different partner that we have to uh move on with. So, it's just this initial phase which is to do the design um and get to that guarantee maximum price. Then we'd have an addendum that would come back in front of this full board for final approval. you will lead me through it before I sign it, I guess. Huh? >> Yep. Yep. Well, you and
034you and legal counsel for sure. >> All right. Anybody have any questions of Dan? Should we go call for the consent agenda vote now? Okay. I guess we would need a motion, correct me if I'm wrong, Dan, to allow myself to sign the GCCM contract. >> Correct. Giving you the authority. >> Okay. Believe everyone saw the drafts, right? Or emailed out again. I didn't notice anything that didn't look standard than what I'm used to. >> Yeah. What the only thing really that we're going to be pushing on is right now they have us arbitration and what we'll go to is litigation in a court of your peers. So that's where we'll add the language that any any disagreement will be held in Beaverhead County uh similar to what was in agreement with all your prior
035contractors. >> Those are the big changes. So you're looking for a motion to give you Gary the authority to sign a finalized contract after it's been reviewed by Danal seconded. who allowed Gary Love to sign the contract with Langas based on Dan's recommendation and our legal council's approval and also Josh's approval of looking at it. Is there any other discussion? Those in favor say I. I. Those opposed? Passes unanimously. Thank you, Dan, for doing that. You bet. Anything else you need to update us on or Dr. >> Uh the only other thing just um on a quick update uh Dr. Patterson was able to give me uh some dates. We're going to be shooting to be on site February 4th with the design and the contracting team uh to help finalize scopes that afternoon. I
036believe it's a half day for students and staff. Uh so we try to minimize any disruption. Uh I'll finalize that and coordinate that with the district before we put a final schedule together. But um and then I would anticipate providing a written report for the board or an update for your next board meeting. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Anything else for Dan? Anyone? Dan, you're welcome to keep listening or you can >> Okay. >> Unhook, whichever works best for you. >> All right. Well, thank you all. I appreciate your time. >> Take care. >> Okay. We'll go to superintendence report. Josh, >> not much. The good news is innovative education practice credit. That number had to revive it a few times since they sent it out and I don't know if I have
037the most accurate number. Suzanne, can you tell me what we accumulated thus far? >> Everybody's waiting the last minute seems like, which is fine. >> 15,000 700 I think. >> That's where we're at. >> 15,700. So that's this would certainly be a big help and will go a long way toward the the projects one of the projects that we outline uh for priority focus in the in our publication and paper. And so we'll just see what we what the f we finally end with and then I'll get with Jack and have him get us a couple quotes so we can compare and go from there. >> We get them all. That'll be the next time >> and the way that works. Yeah, correct me if I'm wrong, but the individuals or corporations give the money
038on behalf of the school and then the amount that you give comes off your income tax to the state of Montana. Correct. >> Yes. >> It's a straight one for one credit. >> Yes. >> So, you are out the money from now until your taxes are filed a year from now. But um nevertheless, it's a one for one tax credit to the school or to the individual for or helping the school and what it's limited to 7.1 million this year. >> 7.2 million this year. And last year it was only used up within an hour. >> It was like an hour 15 minutes and it was six. >> Yeah. We can't preload them, can we? You got to put them in. >> Yeah. 10 a.m. tomorrow it opens across the state. There you go. >>
039I think each school can have it's either five or seven amounts um like people can enter for school. >> Oh, okay. >> Yeah. >> So, you'll have a lot of people helping you. >> Well, Brock and I each have a I didn't actually even think about getting more people to have. Yeah. and >> depend how many we have. >> Curious to see how quick it goes. The year before it was open like a week or so. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah. I think it was like five. Just >> Is it hard to log in and >> No, it's really easy easy to >> It's not like a phone line is busy and you can't get into it. No. >> Yeah. >> And Suzanne, how many how does the number that you've received this year compared
040to what you have had last year or >> like our dollar amount? Yeah. I think we had >> uh it was either like 32,400 or 34,200 right around just over 30,000. Gosh. >> Okay. Yeah. So, but I mean as of yesterday I think we had 7,500 today. >> Yeah. >> Great. >> Yes. >> Thank you both for pushing the project. It's a it's a good thing I think so. >> Otherwise, we've been coming over the ACE building repair project. So, let me know if I'm on that. You see my January schedule. I'll be in Manhattan tomorrow. I'll be here in the morning, but I'll be heading to Manhattan for the afternoon for the regional superintendent meeting. See if I get any updates, check on this uh the uh health insurance trust, see how they're doing.
041They recent most recent news from them is they're expecting to validate any time. They're kind of waiting on everybody to get their January board meetings done. They think they're pretty close in terms of having the number of school districts needed and the number of employees needed. really. >> Yeah. And so it's something we're paying attention to. I've been in conversations with uh ETF President John Hansen. I know he's he's talking with them and I think they're going to maybe have a decision on which direction they they want to go here in the near future. Maybe maybe even by the Federal Board meeting. Um I don't it sounds like there's it's they're very cautious right now. I don't think that's a bad approach to take. Never It's never bad to practice caution. I know Laura you
042said on the meeting with us and your thoughts if you want to share anything with the report. I had shared, you know, with you kind of what I thought about that and, you know, that was my thing in my years of working in business and making decisions around big things like this is, you know, tend to be a journey of that and stuff. I think the books and and jump in because you can makes me a little nervous that they're looking for people to make they can't. While they think they have a lot of information, they can't give you any guarantees on anything and you're locked in that that would make me a little bit nervous, but I don't have a lot of history with what the school has done in the past and the
043work that has been done in the past. And so it's it's have a lot of things to compare to just looking at what they're saying and what they're offering. there's some things that may need a little bit notice, but I also know that there's a lot of other schools that are going in that direction and they've they're making decisions with a lot of good. >> So, I should mention that district 10 has committee. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Yeah. But that's what I've been told. I had a chance to speak with Randy about it personally yet, but I told that they have committed to join the the new health alliance trust. Again, although we may not be on the same page as district 10, that mean we might eventually get there. So, I don't think it
044would is totally negative if the high school district decided to be cautious for some time. Sometimes just that's just the way it goes. >> And they've still kind of pushed the deadline further out, but we still have some time to decide. I think March. Yeah, March 1st I think is like the the deadline for them to validate. >> Okay. But I'm surprised I heard anything from them yet because our board meeting this month is kind of late. Um so maybe they're still trying to work on a few brackets. I think they last I spoke to which is a week or two ago they had all the doublea save too. And I can't remember which two they were but you can imagine that's a lot of employees and that would maybe push them over the top.
045that that may be what they're waiting to come with the last those last couple double A's on board >> and there still two separate groups the double A or one group and everybody else is another >> the double A there's a couple A's that are in there with I can't remember which ones but there's a couple A's that are in that bigger bigger team >> Oh really? Okay, >> but there's two tiers. >> Yeah, two tiers. Um, other other than that, late January, January 26th and 27th, I'll be in Bosezeman for the Montana's principal conference. And then I've got another calendar committee meeting scheduled for the 28th at district 10. A lot of that depends on what we get a conference before then. So that may have to be rescheduled depending on feedback from the
046FT. Any questions? super board. Anyone else have any questions? We'll go on to the action items. Anyone? This is report. >> Yeah, we probably should do that, shouldn't we? Yeah, that would be good. Sorry about that. That's all right. agenda here and I right past you. So look at the end of his verse and kind of had a last month and then through the end of the year the beginning of the year then it seemed like everybody chew it up during finals week and we left that um the monthly average to about 90 just about 92 that last week I need to get to school. There should have been one more little chart. didn't come up. I'm sorry. I don't know why that didn't do that, but a little pie chart. Um, and so once
047again, you know, we're at like 65% of all the the behavior issues, incidents are parties. The number two is cell phones at 11.8%. And then we had an had one really pop up this this month. There is few quite a few students about five students that were not using their bus cards and so now they are busy. They're living north a week or so without using them the bus. Lauren asked us if I would visit with them how they using the bus cards. Sorry, that wasn't a remember to get to my back. Iv um um then I've been pondering something for quite a while. Um decided that I would hand in a letter to Mr. Patterson today that says I am going to retire at the end of this school year. tough tough decision. Um,
048but I've thought about it and kind of what's best for my family. Um, basically started my career here in Grand County High School and it's going to end up my education here. Um, and it's going to be interesting, you know, to to actually be a parent only. Um and so bittersweet but something that I think eight years two years as a principal us thank you guys for all your help and friendships. great students and faculty and not obviously community. Very fortunate to be a part of it. >> Thank you for the years you put in. As Rob and I spoke this afternoon on the phone, like I told him, he did a great job when he was here the first time as a math teacher in Tennis School, don't you? and then left. >> Volleyball.
049>> Yep. Volleyball. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Were you here three years the first time? That's That's a lot of proms, graduations, activities. David, >> I'd like to read Rob's letter if that's Is that okay, Rob? If I read it says, Beaverhead County High School Board of Trustees, this letter is to formally announce my intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 2026 school year. This decision has not been an easy one as I truly enjoy working with the students and staff of Beaverhead County High School. BCHS holds a particularly special place in my heart. It's where my career in education began, and it is where that journey now comes full circle. I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunities, support, and relationships that have shaped both the beginning and the end of my professional career. The
050staff, students, and community of Beaverhead County High School have had a lasting impact on me, and I will always be proud to be have been part of this school. Throughout my years in education, I have had the privilege of working alongside exceptional teachers, staff members, students, and families. None more dedicated than the people here in Dylan. As I step into retirement, I do so with gratitude and confidence in the future of our school. I look forward to supporting BCHS in a new role. As a parent only and community member, please accept this letter as my formal resignation from employment with Beaverhead County High School effective at the end of the 2526 school year. Sincerely, Rob Henkins. Rob like to thank you for stepping in and helping us like you did and you've been a valued
051asset both first time and the second time and appreciate all you've done and we wish you and Jana and Connley the best. So very thank you. >> Any questions of Rob the activities director report? All right. Brock asked me to do some he started. Anybody wants to for um so there there are several proposals and that was just last weekend Monday they actually did on Monday. Um the first proposal was by law that talked about non-member schools that they I think were going to anyhow they they withdrew that one because schools actually think it's pretty interesting. because all the schools in the state send their activity directors and some administrators go and they all discuss these proposals and and they have a big variety of interests. You know, if you look at number two, it
052says um the six player playoff how they split the profits. Um a lot of times it goes to all the schools when schools have more more cost involved because they're traveling more because they need to run. They changed wanted to change how they they split those up. you know, even does it I would there a lot of times sixman they uh they a lot then they could go up for a few years there and they continue and then you kind of go through them but Rock said that most of these all the rest of the proposals was unlike any other year. It was like unanimous like nobody voted against all the other ones. They just and that it's very rare when it comes to voting on Montana High School Association things. Usually it's very split.
053A lot of times we have to do an actual roll call and and have to make sure that it is above the 50% or your bylaw changes in this year was was much different just have dry and activities. We're right in the thick of things. um had a wrestling unite wrestling match tonight was going to be view and Livingston Livingston kind of last week decided to not attend whatever reason they didn't give a very strong reason but that is in full swing obviously basketballs are also in full swing we'll have game this weekend next year our wrestlers go to pitch Saturday. >> When's the divisional rest of it? >> That is last weekend in January the 14th October pumped state wrestling back. Usually resting through people they're all dead >> 21st ever been in state
054wrestling and actually let me back up a little bit. So divisual wrestling will be hosted here attending make sure you're interested. It's a event >> buildings away the past what 15 20 years think there and that's because it was under construction. There's a Russian lobby. We have a lot of schools here and to our name. >> So it it's both the northwest and the southwest end >> I think. So yeah with so there'll be 14 or 15 schools here. want glasses. on the activities report. Okay. Not then I guess now we'll go to the action items. Sorry about that. one more consideration and possible include state trip someone in a barberh shop event in Idaho. >> Yes, it's coming up. I believe it's before next meeting on that time. Thank you. So go ahead and
055get that busy move. Move to approve the out required to second and movement seconded to approve the out of state trip or the choir to go to Rexburg. Is there any discussion? Those in favor say I. >> I. >> Those opposed passes unanimously. >> Item 10.2 two for consideration and possible action to approve the VCHS FFA members to attend the annual FFA alumni auction at UNMW which I believe we have done in the past but needs board approval. >> Make that motion to approve the BCHSS FFA members to attend the alumni auction. Second >> and moved and seconded to approve the BCHS FFA members to attend the annual alumni auction at Western. There any discussion? >> Those in favor say I. I. >> Those opposed passes unanimously. >> Mr. Ago did tell me his wife
056had an emergency back call. >> Okay. He's babysitting. Okay. And everybody knows why. >> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Next item. Um there's a um supporting document board 10.3 board consideration of possible action to approve the BCHS 2026 2027 course registrate course registration guide. And so round up the entire guide for you. Um I just got Miss Rouse guidance council kind of give me the highlights of the changes that she worked on in conjunction with myself and feedback from Miss Ferris in the administrative office just to kind of get some ideas of uh what would be worth changing, what wouldn't be changing. So couple things. Number one, can everybody see the one I'm talking about? Have a copy of that? Okay. Um, and this is an effort to try to improve recruitment in choir
057since we've been talking about choir is that treble travel course and men's choir will change to semester offerings rather than year-long courses. And the reasoning behind that is we're a year-long course is is a pretty big commitment. Now team tones will stay the same. Right now team is a a year-long commitment but it's also a more advanced choir course. And so our hope is that by offering semesterbased courses that we can encourage more students that might be considering trying out choir to give it a try rather than have to commit for the full year. So this is a little strategy here to see if we can continue to build these programs especially with our incoming freshman from the the middle school. Any questions on that chain? Okay. two, um, PE, we're we're we're letting go
058of the fitness for life course because there just has not been enough interest in it. And so, we're only going to offer health enhancement and physical fitness. Those are by far and away the most popular courses. And until such time as it seems like there's enough interest to offer something else, I see no other reason to do so. Questions on those? Okay. Number three, in the math department, we're going to add college algebra as a dual credit optional through Western, which will be math 121. Again, adding to our dual credit offerings and partnership with Western, the more we can do that, the better. Excited about that. >> That's great. That's awesome. >> And we're not done yet, Miss Conan's. And that'll be through uh through Brett's course, I believe. Brett Nordall. >> Okay. And then
059Bobby Conan, her financial independent survival class will now be offered at for dual credit through Western as I think ECNS 100 personal economics. So two courses now we're going to partner with and we're not done yet. Potentially a third. We're moving right along with the science department through Allison Nichols, our new chemistry and physics teacher that's working on getting approved through Western to do dual credit for advanced chemistry, which would be Chem 121. So again, I mentioned, you know, pushing for a couple changes. These are some of the things I'm I'm kind of trying to slowly push. offering more dual credit classes, expanding our AP offerings, um while also not turning our our back on the trades that that can be offered through Highlands. I'm actually meeting with Highlands College next week and seeing what
060we can do to potentially I know we're doing three courses through Mr. Igo. I think there's been oh just learned that they're they're bringing back their CDL course >> and so that's one that I wanted to get some more information on for students to possibly get their that's complete certificate as well. Um and there's an OSHA requirement of course you get your OSHA requirement certificate as well taken care of. So just want to let you know not not forgetting about Highlands College or Montana Tech. They're just as important as Western um because I believe that it benefits depending on the students preference, right? And where they're going. Not all students are going to college. Some are going to in into trade or career. And I want to make sure we're providing those options for those
061students as well. Um lastly, number six on here, um we're going to change up way credits go. And this may be the most different, most foreign thing that you're used to as trustees that have been on the board for a while or have had students here is in the past we required 44 credits to graduate. That's that doesn't align with the state scale. So what we currently do is we have one credit per course and we give and essentially that's one credit per semester and that's why we have double the number of the state scale. So we're going to revise that and go to a half credit per semester and that'll bring us into line with what with the off school construction scale. So what does that look like? So for a standard diploma BCHS
062that would be 22 credits to graduate. Still the same course requirements. The only thing changing is the the actual numerical figure. And then 24 credits for the college uh track option. And so those those credit requirements aren't changing. We're just revising the scale to align with Office of Public Instruction. We're not going to grandfather kids in. That'll be for all students. That won't just be for the incoming freshmen. We're going to change all our current students, not obviously not this year's seniors, but that so that will be next year seniors on down to the incoming freshmen will be on that scale. Um, a couple of things that will be in there. There's information about NCAA and NIA and Clearing House. um and some some descriptions have changed in CTE courses and some of the fine
063arts uh things like that. Um I guess one last addition to that because there there'll be a lot of handbook language and changes this summer that I'll be working on um in relation to uh district policy with with the u these scales. And another thing that's kind of tied to that and I believe it may be referenced in our in our course registration guide is waiting of GPA. And what I have here in some of your packets who didn't get a packet I wanted to pass these out. If you didn't have a packet here you need one. It's another email from Mr. Alice Bill Roxan if you're not. I'll try to email you a copy as well. Great. >> And so this shows the scale and Robson, you may be somewhat familiar with this is
064that a lot of institutions of higher education don't really account for a scaled GPA in high school. Essentially, what they'll do is strip that away. So, and this is for the University System of Montana. You can see the unweighted on the top and the weighted below. And what you'll see is where when John gets a 4.0 0 he's awarded 30 points. Well, in the weighted example, a 4.4 still only gets you 30 points. Didn't get you any additional. Now, you can look at Carol and she got a 3.987. Well, they round up. So, she gets the 40 and 30 points. But now, look down at Carol and waited 4.3. That sounds like a better GPA, but they give her only give her 29 points. So essentially, we're not really helping ourselves by adding a weight.
065It's only a 0.25 weight that we add to AP courses. And so the conclusion that Miss Rouse and I came to is to move back to a a traditional 4.0 um grade scale without adding any weight to these extra classes because we believe it's going to benefit our students more the potential points they can gain toward college acceptance. that had in the weighted ones seems to kind of convolute it somewhat. Now, the way that works, just so everybody's familiar, is you take your GPA and that's added to your ACT composite score. And I for I can't remember what the cut score is, but I believe it's like 54 to 57 like that's like the goal score that they want you to have between your GPA and your ACT composite um for most institutions here in
066the in the university system. And of course, we always want to shoot shoot for a higher than that. But so that's something I wanted to bring to your attention. Have to do a lot of revisions. Again, I think it's positive for our students. Um I understand why they wanted to potentially put the waiting on because I feel like yes, you want to reward students for taking those more challenging courses, but if it's actually potentially hurting them, and I don't think we need to do it. Hopefully their reward will be in being better prepared when they actually get to that their postsecary instit institution of choice. >> So if we change this then the student that had straight A's would have the same GPA whether they took AP classes or or no credits. >> That's right.
067And so they're they're still if they have straight A's, they're still going to have a 4.0. Now the thing is is that you know students that take less challenging classes could potentially also have a 4.0, right? And so in terms where this will come into play is for class ranking. And so that's something Chris and I still are getting the weeds in. Um and so we're looking more into that. most school districts additionally you you may only have one validator in Suditorian. Sometimes there may be a code. What you're seeing I think in recent years is you got schools going to where there's like eight, nine, 10 of each. And I'm not sure if we're doing any justice in that. Um it could be a GPA thing. That's where I need to look into it
068a little more because I don't want to hurt anybody. Um but I'm I'm also not a fan of giving out participation awards. I feel like you the one that's earned it that has the highest score should probably receive that award. Otherwise, if more than one person or multiple people can attain that award, are we potentially devaluing that somewhat? Because usually an award, I mean, first place in champion any tournament, athletics that you only get, there's only one chance and academics again, I'm not a not opposed to being po. When you get to 8 to 10 getting the same award, then I'm not sure how much value that award maintains. But again, I'm not I'm not making a decision. Just wanted to kind of tell you some of the thoughts of that I'm having right now
069as I research more into that. The grade scale I think I mean I think it helps us regardless if by changing that. I think a waiting score is actually probably hurting some of our our collegebound students as opposed to helping them guide. Most of it's positive news. Not too much controversial. So what did we vote on? Just this first part that that Chrissy had in our schedule. >> So essentially you're voting on the entire course registration guide. Okay. And but these are the change. Everything else all almost 50 pages of it are the same >> with the exception of add you know adding in the information about the NCAA NIA clearing house. also with athletes know what they need to do if they're planning on um still competing athletically after high school and some of
070those requirements, some language descriptions and some courses. J, we raising the hand or stretching. >> No, sorry. >> Oh, maybe I was leaving something out about geometry. >> We vote. We're not voting on the weighted or unweed. >> No. Okay. I mean that that will be a part of because it's I believe it's part of the force education it was mentioned. I'll also have to change in book language with this. I mean look policies to change numbers. This we've taken against this for next year. Someone would like to. We need a motion to approve the tenative BCHS 2627 course registration guide. >> I'll make that motion. Second >> in movement seconded to approve the tenative BCHS 2627 course registration guide. Is there any questions or discussion? >> Those in favor say I. >> Those opposed
071unanimously. All right. Last one. Max 10.4 hit evaluation. possible executive session. >> Okay. This each year in January, we have the evaluation of a superintendent. Um it's the superintendent's option as to whether he'd like it to be a public session or an executive session, Mr. Patterson, which do you prefer to do executive sessions? >> So, I'll break with tradition completely. We're doing executive this time. Okay. >> Are you open to public sessions in the future? >> Okay. Mr. Mr. Chairman, it is my determination that Dr. Patterson's um privacy exceeds the right of the public to know. So, at this time, we'll go ahead and close the meeting to executive session and we'll excuse everyone except the board and Josh and Suzanne and we'll reconvene as soon as we're done. Thank you everyone. These are >>
072Yes. I can see. Whereas you Thank you. >> That's true. >> Thank you. >> About this um I don't see that obvious. I'm like that. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> I was the same way when she brought it up. So didn't know what >> that is saying. I'll send that. >> What is she upset about? Does she doesn't like the calendars being different? >> It might be different. >> And so then the assumption is it might be different. >> Open session. I guess. Okay. Open the meeting back to or reconvene the meeting to open session and Do we need a motion to approve what we did in the executive session? We do the minutes. Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. Somebody make a motion. >> Second move and seconded to approve the minutes from executive
073session. Discussion. Those in favor say I. >> I. was opposed, passes unanimously. In executive session, we met with Dr. Patterson on his evaluation. Um, we all felt that Josh meets the expectations of a superintendent of Beverhead County High School. Um, we had a good discussion and we all felt that Josh is doing a very admirable job as superintendent of the school and would be the recommendation or my recommendation if someone would like to make a motion to extend Josh's contract by one year. So, he would be under a two-year contract if someone would care to make that motion. >> I'll make a motion to extend the contract by one year. >> Second. >> And move and seconded to extend Mr. Dr. Patterson's contract for a year. So, we'll be under contract for a total of
074two years. Any discussion? Those in favor say I. I those opposed same passes unanimously. >> Thank you. Our next meeting will be February 9th at 700 p.m. on Monday. I appreciate everyone for having this meeting a week later. I was in Maui for two weeks which was pretty nice. >> Very envious. >> Yeah. >> A good time was had by all that's for sure. Do you serve me? >> No, I'm not much of a water person. Go walk on the beach a couple times every day and that's about as close as I get. Got to watch the Bobcat game though. It was on ESPN. Anyway, I'll if someone wants to move to adjourn the meeting, we'll get her done. >> So move to the meeting. >> Move and seconded to adjurnn. Those in favor say
075I. >> I. them supposed. Thank you everyone.