001Ice to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> Approval of the minutes. Sorry. Any questions or amendments? >> All good. All those in favor? >> I opposed. Okay. Approval of claims. >> So move. >> Second. I wanted to ask about the um Brady Pop subscription. What's that? >> Elementary school. Helps support the finance lessons. >> Okay. >> And some social studies. Our teachers use it often >> like a kind of like a quiz type thing >> like more like informational videos. Oh, >> okay. >> Yeah. There's a Brain Pop Junior and a Brain Pop. Yes. >> Quick question. What's the individual transport reimbursement to me? That was your individual transportation contract. >> Oh, >>
002for your child >> for I think I had one in this school year for Xavier. Okay. >> Do I need to abstain from the vote on this seeing as it does claim to me? >> Oh, yeah. I guess I thought of that. Yeah, probably. January is never thought of that motion. >> So moved. That's just okay. Any other questions? Are we good? Um, all those in favor? Opposed? Okay. Communications to and from the board. I have none public comment. We do not have any public. Okay. So, board chair report, we do have a middle school trip. So, nor up. >> If you don't know, I'm Mark. I'm the seventh and eighth grade math science teacher. We I supposed to have two students, but they chicken now. Uh we're asking for permission to take an overnight
003field trip to Kemer, Wyoming. We did this trip last year. Um it's a three-day trip. We travel on Tuesday, stay overnight in the hotel, dig Wednesday morning, um go to the Fossil Museum in the afternoon, stay overnight, and come back on Thursday. It's 611 miles, a little over 9 hours drive time. We've lined up Daryl Benjamin to do the trip for free. Yay. With one ultimatum. >> One ultimatum. >> Grandson has to go. So, um, so in the video, what we're after is a fossil that when you open it up, you're the first person to see it in 52 years. I mean, you're the only person to see it in 52 years. This is one I find found. It's a Nidia. Very common. They don't get much bigger than this. Uh we did find one
004of the rare ones. Ken Campbell found one and they told him it was worth about $1,000. Sold it online. Um they do find stingrays, paddlefish. I've seen um fossils on their website that they have found that go for $30,000. Any fossils that we find up to $100,000 value, we keep. So, it's pretty good deal. We had a great time last year. the kids were well behaved. Um, we're hoping we can do the trip again this year. Um, in the video, so the video I showed last year, they put it to music this year. So, I thought this was a cuter version of it. But in the video, you'll see where they they pull the rocks down where the ancient lake was, and something in history caused a massive die off, and all these fish and
005animals fell into the muck and then turned into limestone. And so, you can see them with the excavator. They bring the the limestone down and then they put it on the ground in rows and then people pay to go split the rock and find what they find. Um they've got metal racks on it and we'll be given a certain amount and you find a fossil and you go put it on the rack and you dig for 4 hours. Um and you split the rock and they teach you how to split it. They give you the equipment to split it. They they do an excellent job of taking care of you. Uh we paid we did a half a day and then at the end of your four hours then you've got all these rocks and
006you might have a rock this big with one little fish in the center. Well, we're not packing that home. So then you put it in a wheelbarrow and you take it over to these chop saws, radio arm saws that have mason bits on it and it took us two hours last year to cut all of our fossils down to size. And that's past your paid time. And then we were just filthy. So you'll see the racks that we put it on. You see that you'll see the chop saws that we cut it down to size. One of the pictures there's a gentleman that's cleaning up a fossil and if you look it's a stingray. So they don't find them very often. It's usually 10 to 20 stingrays during the season. Um, they won't do that
007for common fish, but if you find an uncommon one, they'll clean it up and make it really, very beautiful for free. Ken, they did it to Ken's last year. They didn't do it for any of mine. But, um, it's funny that they wrote this song. I love the performer's name. So, here's the video, but you get to see what we do. for the sun was shining bright. I got my hammer and shield ready. It's going to be coming for you. There's a stingray right there in the background. My son always closer. It's going to be mine. I'll keep on digging. Keep on striking. True. >> That's the owner right there with the sledgehammer. >> That's funny. So last year we we decided to take this trip and it was late in the game. So we
008only um had time we only had time to raise about $320. So everyone had uh basically $240 of private pay to make this trip possible. This year with two um concessions left, we've already raised 2,600. So if we have a modest earnings from the last two concessions, we should have the trip paid for. Um there's a little bit of wiggle room with the meals, but if we have a really good concessions, then we could literally have everything paid for 100%. So, we're asking the school to provide the bus and the diesel for the bus, and the rest of us will pay for from our concessions money, but we just need your permission to do an overnight trip. >> So, >> I'd like to move it. Yeah. That we get permission. >> Second. >> Okay. All
009those in favor >> I opposed. >> All right. Thank you very much. >> Middle school. >> So back at that because it's middle school. >> Yeah. Probably not because it'll come out of elementary. Yeah. Okay. So we need a different >> we'll revote just to destinate. Okay. All those in favor >> I opposed. Now it's >> you can really use it. >> Thank you. >> Make them behave. >> Yeah. >> It's your turn. >> Okay. Awesome. >> Thanks. Okay. Um, okay. So, great. Let's talk about some highlights in January that happened at the elementary school. We had our cooking with kids class back and that's always so well attended and we love it when there's leftovers from that as well. Um, we've had some successful ski trips which is like which we feel grateful for
010especially with the super nice weather. Um, but third and fourth they had a great ski trip and so did fifth and sixth. We did have one injury, but >> anything good? >> Um, it was a concussion. >> Oh, >> yeah. Well, it was not great, but she's okay. And she's still smiling. She's still standing for sure. Um, we had a spear rally on the 16th where the kids set their goals and in their little different age groups. And overwhelmingly, the goal of the elementary students is to sleep more this next year. So, sleep is a concern. One wanted to learn Spanish. One wanted to be more nicer to people, which I thought was a great goal, but sleep is definitely at the top of their list. Um, we have finished our winter benchmark for Debbles
011and some of our winter testing for MAPS. And so, a huge thank you to the teaching staff and to all of the people that make it happen. Mrs. Southern is very instrumental in making sure that some of those those assessments take place and then we review them in our common planning to make sure that our interventions are on target and working. So, it's always so fun this time of year to see growth. And I have to tell you, this is one of like it seems like this is the time of year where kids really start to take off or we really start to worry about them. So, yeah. Um, our teachers are well underway with masked testing as well. Um, making sure that we're getting those done. I think they have until March 3rd or
012something like that to finish up the second window of mast testing. Um, do you guys have any questions that so far? >> Okay. In the works. So, I am We'll have to see how this goes, but I kind of shot off an email to the world's finest chocolate people. So, I was talking to a lot of my principal colleagues at the conference that I that I went to and um I told them that I wanted a new playground and multiple people were like, "World's finest chocolates." like you got to talk to these people. So, they are sending us 300 boxes of chocolate and we are going to work to sell them. I think we stand to maybe raise like six or $7,000 if we can get it all sold. And the sixth grade class thinks
013that they could pretty much sell it all themselves. So, we have a plan for that. Um I think they should be arriving here soon. So, more more information to that to come. I haven't got that out to parents yet, but we'll do that. Um, cooking with kids is another classes tomorrow and we will also be having handwashing lessons on Thursday. So, big thank you to Janice and Katie for that. We have a spirit rally, a teacher participant spirit rally on Friday the 13th. And that will also be the day that we celebrate Valentine's Day. So, if any of you are just itching to come to the elementary school, we will be having a pizza box folding competition in the morning in the gym. We are also kind of starting to look towards parent teacher conferences.
014We're getting letters ready to be sent home in the next few weeks. That happens the second week of March. First week, second week, I can't remember. Is >> um our February assembly will be February 24th. So, a little bit earlier because of tournaments and the spelling be will be on March 3rd. So, thank you. Does there any questions? >> Awesome. >> Russ was unable to be here tonight. So, board member Kale Axman has agreed to decipher his notes, take his notes and >> provide Russ's report. Um, thanks to Jordan for all the extra cleaning of the gym and also thank you to Cali, Jamie, and Eric Hman, and Roxy for helping after the games to pick the gym up. Uh, the help is appreciated um to get Jordan home early. Larry has been um cleaning
015the gym floors and the cafeteria floor and the elementary teachers and students have been helping clean um and that other we might have to solve tonight. >> Yeah, we have a we >> Yeah, really excited. >> We're going to recommend a hire to fill in at the elementary as a custodian. Uh Russ and I interviewed uh the gentleman today >> and so pending his background check. >> Yeah. And he seems great. We got to meet him today. >> Yeah. And uh so he's gonna um uh he fill his paper two weeks ago. Callie, I can't remember. Anyway, so we'd hope to have the background check back pretty soon, but with your permission, we're going to have him cuz she Dan is about ready to have a baby, so we kind of need some help over
016there straight away. >> Um the state boiler inspection is complete. Um, thanks to those that attended and texted to check in on it. Uh, Seth was happy with our system. I would hope so. Hartford Boiler Insurance also completed our inspection after that and we are all good now. Uh, outside stuff is starting like yard work stuff. He was on the mower on Saturday picking up leaves and all the Yeah. >> Okay. around on Saturday doing that. So, uh he's going to get to the track soon and start field work. They want to um Dusty's wants to sand and plug the field like this month possibly. Sounds like they can get to it if he gets sand. Um major events coming up, their senior night basketball. Um, there's a little guy wrestling duel on Thursday the
01726th, uh, which is fun. You guys are all invited. 6:30. It's fun to watch little kids get excited. >> Um, little guy invitational on the 28th, which is the big one. And prom is coming up next month. >> And that's all I got. kudos to you because when I have to decipher his handwriting, I struggle. So, good job. >> It's like nothing. >> Um, I'll start with thank yous. If you see any of the people that you see all the time at the games, please tell them thank you. We have a lot of volunteers and workers who um give their time for us week after week and we couldn't pull off our events without them. So, I appreciate all the people and all all of you who step in and support and give us all
018we need to Bethany to the River Press for all the coverage that we get. >> Um, and to our coaches who it's who it's been a long season already. You know, it's it's that point where it's it's near postseason and they put a lot of time and effort in and and they're doing great things. So, thank you to everyone. Um and quick maybe not a quick but little rundown of everything and then some hires to do after that recommend for you. FFA is at their spring district in Hab today. Unfortunately I don't have results for you. I just wanted to recognize them. I haven't gotten a chance to catch up with Brooke after today. So they've been busy going constantly and doing things everywhere. She's always on the go with them. So kudos to FFA
019and hope we hear good things from them. the band got to participate with the CCPA today and so that was I didn't get to see it unfortunately but it was exciting to um get them involved and let them be part of of something a little bit different >> and actually it was the middle school and high school bands they together >> it was really good >> and uh one of our reps that we had haven't had before told me last week that we have the best burgers and the best pet band that he'd heard all year so kudos to them as Um, speech and drama concluded their season. We sent our five members to divisionals up at CJI and Pat had the chance to go watch and participate with them. So, thank you to Pat
020and good job to all of them. That's a lot of bravery getting up in front of people and doing the things that they do. Out of that, we had Emmy Carrier who placed third in dramatic oral interpretation and she went on to state in Towns End and she made it to the semi-final round there. So, congratulations to um our coach Emily her first year and to Emmy and we look forward to great things to come from them. Robotics has also concluded. The high school concluded their season at the Helena qualifier that they went to. Um unfortunately they didn't quite make the cut off to go to postseason. Middle school surprised themselves and received the second place champions award in the qualifier and were able to go on and compete at the state competition last weekend
021in Boseman. Wrestling has had numerous places and personal accomplishments too many to list. They are doing great things. uh if you check out the paper you will see all the things but specifically we have Eda and Wyatt who are now at 100 plus wins in their career. So that's that's a big thing and that's super exciting and um something to be very proud of. The girls team has won their fifth championship of the season this last weekend at Manhattan. So we have a lot to look forward to with all of them, boys and girls. They head to divisionals this weekend in Malta and we have things all set up for them. Pat's gonna take them back and show them the ropes there. Right. >> And we're excited to see what happens there and go on
022to state next week in Billings. >> Want to give a little shout out to my sister who's going to cook dinner for the wrestling team on Friday night. >> Oh, that's fun at school. I pay for the food for my for the team. So >> yeah, >> we're going to do that in the basement of the Catholic church, I think, where we're going to serve the meal, but she was willing to prepare it for him. So >> yes, it's always always nice to have an extra extra hand and that's going to be much appreciated. >> Um basketball, the boys are 10 and two in conference play. The girls are nine and three. It's been a great season for both of them. >> This is the final regular season week for us this week. We will
023play Thursday at Fairfield. A little bit different. Fairfield plays both JV games at the same time. So if you were headed up there, both JB plays at 4:00 in two separate gyms. And then varsity plays separate to follow. Um that's just their thing, I guess. >> They get enough officials for that. >> They do have enough. >> They have their own referee pool as well. We've utilized their referee pool here. Um again, a plug for referees. If you know anyone, encourage them. uh we were I was notified today that um they were unable to fulfill our JB game on Saturday, but I've been able to take care of that on our end. So, uh we would like to thank all the people in the community who step up when I and still answer their phone
024when I call because I think this is the fourth game that we've had to cover this season because there is still a shortage out there. So, it's not an easy job. I mean, you hear the crowd, it's not easy. And they have a lot of patience, you know, they have a lot of patience and they have a lot of um a lot more than I can sometimes. So, um let's see. Saturday will be it's different than your printed schedule if you have a printed schedule because way back at the very beginning, this was on Friday, but um at the very beginning of the season, we had to change it to Saturday to meet the needs of the other team. And so Saturday is senior night here in Fort Benton and our final home game. JB
025girls will start us at, it's a little bit different, two JB boys at 3:30. So varsity girls will start at 5 and we'll have our senior night presentations. Um it it I debated a little bit after the fact, but we have no senior girls, but we're still going to go roll with the normal routine and do it before the varsity just the whole varsity starts. And we'll honor our basketball players, our cheerleaders, and our senior band members that night. Um they will have a week off. They have a by week and then they will head to their districts in Cutbank. And then um the following week will be divisionals in Shelby for those that make it out. We had the honor of recognizing a couple boys in the library the other day. We did it
026on national signing day. We have two boys that have signed to play football in college. Truman's going on to Rose Holman and David's going to play at Rocky. So it was pretty exciting to honor them and and have that um in the library and give them some recognition. We have a lot coming up in addition to those things that I just told you about. Middle school wrestling will begin February 16th with their practice. Elementary basketball will begin the following week, February 23rd, with their practices. We have, as um Kale mentioned, little guy wrestling that will be happening in the gym a couple times there. Um, and I'm working currently on trying to build the spring sports schedules and hopefully the weather will operates, but we know spring to start with and we haven't had winter
027yet. So, I really don't know what to think, but I'm trying. It'll probably change completely. I just say sorry to fall right now, but hopefully I know those in place. You guys have any questions for me about any of that or anything before I move to my recommendations? >> Okay. So, I have quite a list of recommendations for you. Um, I'll just start at the top of my list here. Your varsity football position has been open since we discussed it a couple months ago. It's been posted um in house and then out of house and it still was up until this time. Uh we had an applicant who interviewed with Pat and I and um it would be my recommendation that you hire Mr. Eric Wilman as the 2026 head football coach. He's been an
028assistant with the program for the past few years. He knows the boys. He knows the routine. He knows the basics of how things work there and he is very eager and willing to step into this role. >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Um, also posted, we uh had the high school assistant track position since um he granted me the ability to move into the head coach position. And the other day I met a very excited human to that would like to become part of our program. Wendell Kuan was a former high school track athlete. He lives here now um and he's working construction and he's also serves in the guard. He um has had lots of experience leading young beginning members of the guard as well which I
029think is a great things to help in in leading. Um he knows track. He was an athlete and he has good base knowledge. He is very excited, very willing and uh just wants to be a part of it. And so it would be my recommendation for you pending p and these are all pending background checks of course but it would be my recommendation for you to hire for the assistant track coach for the 2026 season. >> So moved second. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed. Um, we've had the elementary basketball positions posted since last board meeting and it is uh with excitement that I bring to you a full set of recommendations in a short time. So that was great. Um, this was elementary only, correct? So, okay. Um, so it would be
030my recommendation that for the girls we hire Rihanna Folultz and Beth Jones, both whom are members of our teaching staff, have basketball experience and background, are interested and excited and so they would be my recommendations for the girls teams. Do you want me to break the two up? Okay, so I'll leave that. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is Rihanna assistant? She volunteers. She's there a little bit here and there. Yeah, she has been since she had babies. She doesn't go. We hire as a volunteer. >> Um and she goes as needed and when she >> Okay. It's not a regular. >> I just wondered if they go to district and divisions and >> and she knows the schedule. She knows the schedule. Um we did talk about how that would look if um she
031won't go with the team. how that would look with games and with um if we make it to if we do make it to state, I've already told these coaches that I would reschedu that weekend as well. Yeah, we've we've discussed that and she knows she's well aware of of the timing of it. >> Um all in favor? >> Okay. And then for the boys, uh, the two applicants that interviewed that I would like to recommend and I hope I don't say his last name wrong. Keegan Civiverude. Did I say that right? Is it No, actually >> he spelled it. >> Great. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Thank you. I'll go with that. Um, if you don't know him, he's maybe the pharmacist that you see when you go down to Benton Pharmacy. Um and
032Kinsey Clawson who has coached in our school before. She has coached elementary basketball in the past and volunteered with um junior high volleyball in the past. So she has experience with both of those. They would like to work together to coach and lead the boys team. >> So moved. >> Second. Okay. All in favor? I opposed. Okay. Um, looking forward, I put this one on on the list and I keep forgiving, so I apologize. Um, I would like to recommend to continue with our current cross country coaching staff for the next year. I would like to recommend retaining Roxy Benjamin in her role at leading the high school program, Wendy Bird in leading the middle school program, and Sally Scott as a volunteer with the programs. And this has been in place for a couple
033years now and they've done some great things and um I'm excited to bring that to you again. >> So >> second world needs to do. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. Um, unfortunately last Friday I received news that the gentleman that you had previously hired to help lead middle school wrestling um is called and with an injury he feels he's unable to fulfill the duties that that um he would need to >> um and so I put out some phone calls and had a lot of discussions and finally today um I talked to K ball and he is willing to come forward and assist maybe it's not the right word because junior high are co- coaches but be part of become part of the program and become the second person along with Kobe Klein
034who you have already hired um he had a few obligations in in place already but I told him we would work with him because we're giving him a week's notice and he's doing this and I think he'd be a great that aside I think he's a great addition to work into the program. He was a high school wrestler here and had some success here. He knows what he's doing. He's energetic, enthusiastic, and willing to become a part of this. Um, and it turns out it's only one weekend that he is unable to be. And so amongst our high school staff and support, I believe that we can cover that weekend. So, it would be my recommendation um since we unfortunately uh will not have Patrick with us anymore, it'd be my recommendation to hire Kate
035Ball for that second position. >> Good. >> Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I opposed. >> And then two that I didn't get on there, but I remembered I had two pe two volunteers that I would like to add to it. So, Amber Disney, our art teacher, she coached in Baneville, and she would like to support the golf team as needed. Um, in the past, we had Marta, but she is helping her mom and and life is a little busier this season. And so, just another pair of hands available. I introduced her to the golf coaches and they are more than willing to take on a knowledgeable and willing assistant. And so it would be my recommendation just to have a volunteer for golf in Amber Disney. >> So move to second. >> All
036in favor? >> I opposed. >> One last one. Um for tennis as well. Um because with boys and girls together, even when they travel together, it's quite crazy busy at those tennis courts. And some of those places tennis courts are split in different locations of the towns. Um, I would like to recommend Haley Wang. We had her last year as a volunteer as well. Um, when she is available, um, they would like to use utilize her and she would like to step in and help. >> So move. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I oppose. >> And I'm sure I forgot something, but I think that's all I have. Unless you have any questions for me. >> I have a question. I was looking at the schedule and for I think it was middle
037school girls there's a B tournament in Shoto and an A tournament in Hazard. And why? >> So those came with the original schedule and I I just took it off the calendar because I didn't catch it. So you have the option to have an A team and a B team and some tour some schools have a C team even and so they have a tournament. That's the tournament. So, we we're playing as a B team. Um, but we didn't make the tournament with the boys and I'm not sure with the girls yet. So, what happens is next week they'll have a seating meeting >> and only the top four this year go on to the tournament. So, it's not a real >> So, only A teams are invited >> to the A tournament. Yeah. So,
038they'll look at all the A team schedules and results. Yeah. And you you cla you declare in advance. So, our boys played as an A team and a B team, and we didn't make either tournament with the boys. So, we had the option or opportunity, I guess, is the word, but we didn't make it based off our seems kind of bizarre that we'd split up transportation for middle school basketball. >> They don't play together. Even when you played um so we've kind of been lucky with the girls, it's just the one team. So, I'll I'll reference the boys as an example. We had an A team and a B team and you travel to >> cupank to play >> played at the same time. >> They play at the same time and they and most
039of those most of those schools it's very it's separate. It's two separate things. >> So you as the middle school coach >> I coached that B team all by myself and Megan coached the A team by herself. And when we went to Fairfield, we were in two completely gyms. >> They split their gym. Conrad, we were in two separate gyms. I was at the middle school, she was with the high school. So they >> But if we had two A and B teams, we'd be trying to schedule the two little. So that's why it was on the calendar because when I gave him the schedule, >> okay, >> I gave him that schedule in case we did because I wanted to be him Paul to be able to prepare in advance. >> Okay. >> For
040drivers. >> Makes sense. >> And I just I didn't catch that she'd left both on the calendar. So I just did take that one off and think only have the B team in there now. >> Gotcha. Makes sense. But we won't know if we get to play that until next week. And it's been, like I said in our past meetings, a new experience for everyone in this league. Um, because what they're discovering is is we don't play everybody. So, it's kind of a mess in how they figure it out. And it's not a true tournament and it's only four out of the 10 teams right now that get to go play, anything. So, so with the boys that weekend that we didn't make the quote unquote tournament, we called another town and asked them, we
041didn't make the tournament either. So, they came down and played and we had we had an extra game. >> So, >> yeah. >> What about on the for varsity football? Are we looking for assistant coach in that or >> Yes. So, the way that the policies policies the way that the handbook states is that the head coach kind of has some support in that. Okay. And so and you know he Eric was an assistant before so I felt like we needed to do this as a first step and then um >> but Eric has the volunteer assistant. >> Yes. So that is something that you may recognize in the future. We had a head coach and three assistants. Um there is only two paid assistant positions. >> Y >> So yes. So, we'll go from
042now from there now that that we have a coach in place. >> Okay. >> Um, we'll open that up if you know if the assistants don't want to return or if you know >> Yeah. that were there. >> Yeah. >> I know there will be at least one position that will live. >> Any other questions for me? No. No. Thank you. Thank you. Pat. >> Okay. You know, uh, good evening. Glad to see you. It's been, uh, it's been a busy month, but I don't have much to report. So, I wanted to share last month I talked to you about the fact that the seventh grade students were receiving program from the county sheriff's department called uh, too good for too good for drugs, TGFB, or maximizing life. And officer rear has been here a
043couple weeks. It's going really well so far. remember that this is the program that sort of uh uh is the next wave like after it was similar there it's sort of expanded they call it something different now and because our seventh graders hadn't received that instruction they got started a couple weeks ago you might also recall that in last month's board report I included the curriculum uh materials just so you can take a look but I just want to report that they got started um we had uh the good fortune to host our second quarter honoral assembly on the 28th. I thought I'd share what you have is the the numbers and then our program. So, I'll just pass these down. You can take one of each. Um, I thought it was interesting to look
044at the numbers of students that we recognized. Again, we we had a a student the assembly in front of the student body. The response we're getting from the kids has been really really positive. Um we recognized again first quarter we recognized 104 students out of 150. This time we recognized 106 and uh the numbers are broken down there by grade and by category. Remember that we have three categories now. Honor roll, high honor roll and principal's academic honors. And um uh so it it was nice that just shows you the numbers how they're broken down by grade level. and I included a copy of the program so you could see uh the names of the kids. And so Mrs. Fry does an excellent job of putting this the physical program together. That was her idea.
045I've got to give her entirely credit. The other cool thing that she's doing is uh and then this was her idea. So I take the time to review the report cards and we get the report cards out and she adds a sticker to the report cards to invite the parents to come. And so we've had a good response from parents attending and um that's been a nice a nice feature. I again I think I've been tickled with the response we've gotten from the students and from the parents who have been able to participate. Um uh we also recognized as you'll see there eight students with the V the bridge award. Again the be the bridge award is nominated by our teaching staff and uh um had a little snafu in the counting so we ended
046up honoring six high schools. That's never a bad thing to recognize. uh kids in that way. Uh questions about our second quarter honor roll assembly. Okay. Um I certainly want to thank you as a board and members of the community and our staff and students for making our superintendent candidates feel welcome on on campus. Um I shared with you in the emails leading up to those interview the interview last interviews last week the process and um Roxy and I kind of talked about that. uh since then I I feel that the the process that we had I thought was really good because you might recall what I said before was that in as much as we were trying the school district had a had the option of trying to get to know the candidates really
047well I also felt the candidates had to get get a feel for whether or not they would want to work for for Benton Public Schools and I we got positive feedback about it was they were long days for the two candidates but we got positive feedback from both of them and uh I I thought it was a very rewarding day. It was real tiring couple days. They were long, but I I think in the end um I think it was a it was a really good process and thank you very very much for your support of that process and the work you did to be able to select your new superintendent. Um we have begun. The only other thing I really have to report uh we have begun the process to create the calendar for
048next year. Um I took the time to I I have a sample of one already. I shared it with Roxy to put her dates on there and we'll kind of get give that a scrub. Already talked to Roxy Allen. try to give get try to get a couple options out to staff. Um the next next year's calendar is a little bit unusual I think and I I don't know how many options we're going to have because Labor Day is not until the 7th of September >> which is unusual. So that's later than normal and Memorial Day is the last day of May. So we would have activities right up until that last weekend which is like 27 28 Jamie I think of of May. our high school our high school uh state competitions in the
049spring. So, it's it's a bit of an interesting calendar. Um so, I've I've got one sample put together already. The hope would be that I would be able to get if we uh have some options to let the staff vote, we'd be able to bring to you a recommendation at the March. So, we just began that process this week and and uh yeah, it's it's a head scratcher trying to make things fit and work and whatever. So, um, just FYI about that. Okay. The other thing you'll note on the board report is just some upcoming events. Um, we do plan, if you look at the big picture, one of the things I did talk to Mr. Iverson, uh, the superintendent, I hope you'll, uh, uh, hire tonight, but, uh, he talked to him about coming
050on campus for some days this spring, and then we try to give him some time to meet with staff, make with Roxy, make some time, have some time to make begin some planning for next year. And he was eager to do that. So, we will um um hope I don't have those dates for you, but by the March board meeting, I would hope we'd have some dates for you to report when he'll be here. In a perfect world, he'd be in our Tuesday night when we have a board meeting, but I can't say for sure that's going to happen. So, um and the other thing is we begun our our second or end of year teacher appraisals. That process has begun with our in over here at our middle school, high school with the non-tenure
051teachers. And I think you've begun some of those appraisals too, haven't you, Roxy? Yeah. So, that's that's the latest. have some dates for you to look at and that is my report. You have any questions? >> I do have one question just uh when we were doing the superintendent interviews I look at our website and there's a few things that who is in charge of the website >> uh Carly basically Mrs. AU um basically it's one of those things where uh I've noted we when we went through the accreditation process there are some things that we recognized were were off there's some some dates and names and that kind of stuff and so it's just a matter of if somebody sees something just to identify immediately let Mrs. May know we get it changed. >>
052Okay. >> So if there's something that jumped out just just let me know. >> I' I'd appreciate that. >> That's all. >> Yeah. >> Spring student account. >> Okay. Spring student account. Yeah, it's like there was another one over on there. So >> that is Yeah, I'm dealing with that. >> So they've moved um the student count to infinite campus. Used to be on a different system. Now it's infinite campus. >> U Roxy and I have been working for since Monday, mostly the whole day on this because now it's an infinite campus and it's very particular about every student's calendar. So you have to now go in. You used to just be able to say, "Yep, bunch of the yep, certified, done." Well, now you have to go in and you have to make sure
053their attendance is checked. Or what if you had a kid that was like half day where they where on count day were they only there for two periods. And now with our how they state runs uh preschool, it's not called preschool. >> Yeah. Early targeted targeted early intervention intervention program. How many of those kids in targeted early intervention did target >> target and how many actually have you know different needs and how many of them are and so we're struggling to get it to load correctly. So hopefully I have to have it in tomorrow. So hopefully I can manage to get that done. >> It's not easy. It's become very difficult. Um, and now it looks at every student's aggregate hours. And yeah, it's not as easy as counting them and collecting your state A
054and B. They've made it extremely difficult because Roxy, who's the queen of AIM and has been doing it longer than anybody, she can't figure it out. And I've taken the class three times. >> So, I'm a call into OPI. Hopefully, they answer me on my clerk thread. I'm not the only one. So double A schools can't get theirs completed either. So I can only >> Was it Monday? Was it like this Monday or was it >> Monday was count day and they wanted you to have it in today. >> Gotcha. >> So >> good. So our new students count. I was just We always get No, it was last Monday. It was >> Oh, we got new students right after that. Love that. >> So count day was February 2nd and they gave you till
055Well, you were supposed to have it turned in Monday, but they've extended that a little bit. So anyway, I'm not the only one riding the struggle bus. So fun. >> Yes, it's enjoyable. >> It sounds really enjoyable. Really? >> Yeah. >> We're all really jealous. >> Yeah. >> What a fun time for you, Callie. >> Usually with Roxy and like I said, you know, she look at this little tiny spreadsheet with all the metrics on it. You know what I mean? And so then I read them to Roxy and she's like, "You have to read it because your eyesight's good." And he's like, "I don't know. It's beginning to not look so good. But anyway, >> intense. >> Yeah, but then you got to scroll over, scroll over, scroll over. >> Yeah, it's Yeah. So,
056yeah, we talk about the old days, but that's neither here nor there. >> It's fun reports. >> Okay. Um, the intercap loan has um come through and it's finalized. So, those funds are now no longer big negative. And Eddie's yelling at me. So, I got that done and um our school audit will be April 13th, that week. Um they will be here to take care of that awesome process. And I think our funds, we're right where we should be for percent remaining in the year. We haven't had any, you know, anything egregious. Um you'll notice in like fund 113 it says tuition that we're over budget, but we're really not. We're just waiting for those funds to they come and uh you know the second half of the tax is already collected. So it just
057looks kind of funny there. And same with food services. It just looks kind of weird depending on how we um we get reimbursed there. Um with some of the sickness rolling around in the elementary school, um our food service hasn't quite caught up with itself yet. So, um I think that's all I have and be quiet. >> It is good. Boring is good. >> I'll make up for that. >> Boring is best. Yes, Paul does make up for that. >> So, many meetings reports. We did have a transportation committee report from yesterday. Uh, I'll go over real quick that we Paul can fill into, but basically, uh, we're running short on route route drivers probably next year. Next year, especially, there's three of them that are getting older. Two of them have decided that they're
058going to be retiring. They might be willing to share a route, uh, but they haven't committed to that. Um, so they're we're kind of down to two options. One is we try to find more drivers, more subs, which hasn't been very profitable to find. Um Paul can stop step in and drive possibly one route, but then we lose he loses shop time and then if we have a bus break down, he's not able to go rescue that bus. Or the second option would be we eliminate a route. Anything I missed, Paul? >> No. Um, like I said, like Will stated, uh, Vicki and Jim would like to be done next year. Um, everybody knows that the drivers are getting older. Everybody has their time, and I don't hold it against anybody because I mean, everybody
059does have their time, and they want to be done. Um, so far, nobody's fully committed or shown 100% interest in being a route driver. Um, I do ask the public that parents step up that are available to step up to try and help hopefully fill the need. Um, I get they think that it's super nerve-wracking, but it's actually a pretty easy job to do. Um, but if we don't get drivers, we are looking towards cancelling route. We did brainstorm some idea too about possibly bringing two to three people to find cover routes. Um so looking at some different options there but definitely any anybody that's willing to drive bus would be very helpful. Do you have a route at the top of your list of cancer? >> The one we discussed was the east route
060or should be going towards Geraldine. >> It has the lowest ridership. >> Most of those kids kind of drive with siblings. >> Yep. >> Yeah. And 95% of that route is out of district students. Well, probably more like 97% of that is out of district students. So, gotcha. But it has had the lowest ridership and the lowest amount of kids. Both of us even need to head out at night. So, pick up kids from the elementary and high school and he just loops back around to the barn and goes and parks it. We do have the good news is we do have a recommend you tonight a person who's interested in being a driver but be pending their um getting their CDL successfully completing their CDL. We have another person who's working that on on
061that. So those things will help it fill in the the gaps, but there's still multiple people who, you know, right now it seems like on paper, I heard, you know, Paul said that today at this meeting with this this candidate that on paper it looks like we have a lot of drivers, but when you look at the factors, if people want to retire, if people can only work these days of the week, some people don't want to have routes, they want only just do there's all kinds of combinations of what people want to do. We still need we still need drivers or we're going to be in and the district's going to be in trouble. So >> yeah, that's what we discussed. So >> okay, anything else? We good? So second reading for updating policies.
062>> Um it' be all those policies I talked about the last time except for the sex ad policy. We still haven't worked that one out. That's still on my my list of things. So, >> so we probably need to schedule a policy. >> If you want to schedule a policy committee meeting in the next week, couple weeks, that would be grand and then we can that kind of forces my head to make sure that we have those conversations. >> So, we will need a motion to for the second reading. So, move second. Okay. >> All those in favor? opposed. So that leads us to schedule committee meetings. Um we also need to schedule a personnel committee meeting because negotiations with the extracurricular. Okay, I'll get that too. Negotiations with the union are open. So we
063do need to schedule personnel. We need to schedule an extracurricular and a polless committee. It's going to be a busy month. at that personnel meeting when you negotiate with the teachers, you'll also have Roxy and I. >> Okay. So, yeah, I'm on all three. So, >> how do I want to do this? >> Um, let's start with personnel. That would be Will, Kyla, myself, and Joe. Um, early in the week is going to be better for me at least. Then we don't have to like I mean I know we need to work on these but we don't have to rush it. Okay. Does that make sense? What about extracurriculars? Is that one more urgent? >> Let's at some point before the next board meeting. Yes. Okay. Not not urgent but before the next Yeah. >>
064We're going to do the extracurricular meeting the night of the board meeting. Would that be one we could do that that same night? >> Probably. I don't have a time yet. >> Okay. But in terms of a time, we do we need more than 30 minutes for that one. >> I'm going to put an hour just in case. >> Okay, fair. >> Okay, so that's is extracurricular and kale. >> Okay, >> that's on March 10th. >> Yep, that would work for me. >> So extra extracurricular on March 10th, >> six o'clock. um policy meeting. Is that a sooner than later? >> Want to do it the 24th or the 17th next week or the week after? >> Um >> I think Are we waiting on >> teacher involvement or teacher? >> She's right back there.
065>> We need to have a conversation. >> Show it to me yet. Yeah, we have to have a conversation with the uh um >> high school middle school counselor and the PE teacher. >> The 25th district basketball starts. >> Yep. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, 17s. >> Okay. >> Next week. >> That's a really bad week for me. >> Okay. >> Sorry. >> I've been St. Patrick. >> Oh, it is. >> Yeah. Um what about like the second or the third? As long as it's 7 o'clock, I can one of those days. >> Yeah, >> I I can do any day of the week as long as it's 7 o'clock. >> Okay, >> I'm going to be gone on the third. And that's the spelling be if that matters to anyone. >> The second. >>
066The third is >> I know what that meeting a meeting on the second >> that works for me. >> Works for me. No. >> So 7 p.m. for policy on the March 3rd. Second. >> Second. Sorry. >> Okay. So, that leaves personnel. >> So, Jamie, what do you know what works best for? We want everyone to tell Carly and >> Okay. >> I'm gone that first week in March >> the 3rd through the 9th. >> That one we can do >> almost the same days. So, okay. So, but is that one we could do after the board meeting? Like maybe this we could >> I probably does does how early we negotiate that's up to that lady right there because she has contracts. So, what makes her life easier? >> We do it before the
067board meeting easier because you're going to rehire in April. >> April. >> Yeah. >> And so, they really like to know what they're going to make before they like the 23rd. >> Yep. >> Oh. Um, is there any way we could do it? >> Earlier is probably better if possible just cuz that one might take us a while. >> Have a meeting at 5:30 that day. So, I wouldn't be ready until like 74. >> I am gone 24, but I Well, no, I won't be back. >> Yeah, I apologize that this what you want to do. >> You want to do the 23rd at 7 o'clock, though? or like even this next it's not ideal but next Monday the 16th >> so it's sure you found it >> it is President's Day so my day
068I won't work that day but I can come down >> I want to wait till >> I know my day off but I >> mean you could do it after the branch board meeting >> it just you'd approve it, but you negotiated on the 14th. >> What about if we did it before the policy meeting on the 2nd? I know you guys said you're going to be gone, so I don't know if that'll be an issue. >> I think I'm still here on the second. >> Can you do Monday the 16th, Kelly, February, or is that too I mean, that's up to you guys. >> Well, that's up to that. It takes them way longer to get it organized than me. The only unknown with this negotiating thing, I don't have the insurance information back
069and I don't think we will have it back. >> Um, until April >> or May. >> Yeah, we all have been like chomping at the bit. >> Makes sense. >> 10% increase >> at least. I mean, Carrie can get me close. I mean, we're very fortunate to have her, but because that's kind of I mean, Jamie's delayed, too. We just like waiting, waiting, waiting for, >> but I know we need to do it before that. >> Yeah, we need to get it, please. Because it's ideally you want the teachers to get back pushing it a little bit. Uhhuh. >> Too close, you think? >> I think it's too close. Yeah. And you said the 23rd didn't work for you guys. or the 24th. Either one of those. >> She's gone the 24th. >> Oh, that's
070right. You said >> you could do it the 24th and I could just meet with you separately on the 10th. >> The 23rd works for me >> because we can leave it like >> Yeah, >> we can meet the 24th and if you have questions for her, we have questions for her. We can call her or we can set another meeting >> 23rd, >> you know. But you could >> Do you leave that night? You can't do that. You can't do that. >> I can't meet until 7:00 probably on the 23rd. But you could open negotiations on the 24th without me here and then I could meet >> meet later >> or I could meet with you just quickly before the board meetings. >> Yeah. You could like email >> or you could just tell
071me what you're going to do >> or the 24th if you want. If that works best for you guys and then if if like we get into there and we're like this is taking too long we set another one. >> Yep. We've done that before. >> We've done that before. We've done it many times where we've come back to it. I think even last year or not last year, Dustin, didn't we come back to it? >> Yeah, we did. >> We kind of just had an opening and soft discussion >> and we came back to it >> when we collected more information, >> which we probably >> start on the 24th. >> I'm good with starting on the 24th. What time? >> She said seven. >> Oh, yes. Joel, >> was that seven on the
072>> I'm good on the 24th. >> Are you doing like 6? Yeah. um earlier is fine, too. >> I I'm completely open that day. So, >> like when you go to negotiate with Roxy, I can't be there. Jamie can't be there. So, you just do hers and then you can I can fill out the paperwork for mine and then you can review it and then decide from there. >> Yeah. >> What about 5:30? >> That works for you guys. >> 24th at 5:30. You said >> message them now before I forget. >> Always goes pretty quick. I'm gonna say yes, but I'm gonna leave you with the second and I can >> I got to check with Karly and Megan too. So you don't I think >> So let's just put down the 24th at
0735:30 and we'll >> Yeah. Does Roxy take about 15 minutes? Mine takes about 15 minutes. >> Yeah. 5:30. >> Okay. Are there any other committee meetings? Okay. So, now it's time for personnel. >> Okay, I've got a couple not on this list, but I'll go through the ones that are on the list, which I would recommend to the board that you hire Mr. Greg Everson as your new superintendent. >> So, moved. >> Second. All those in favor? >> Opposed? >> We have two volunteers. I would recommend you hire Brian Benjamin and Margaret Hawk as volunteers in the elementary school. >> So move them. Second. >> All those in favor? Um can we amend that just hire them as volunteers so that they can come both? >> Yep. Yep. Yep. No problem. >> Cuz one might
074want to come. >> Yep. Do we have background checks back? Uh >> one. Yes. One. No. >> So background check. Does >> Brandon back yet? And >> this is for both schools. Okay. >> You mean >> TVD? All in favor? >> Oppos. Okay. Who made the motion? >> I tell Brian his his thing got tabled. >> Well, they like you to get hired. >> Got to wait next month. >> Okay. I'd like to recommend to the board that you hire Anna Marie Villa Lobos Dana as a bus driver pending successful completion of her CDL lensure. >> So move. >> All in favor? >> I opposed. >> Okay. And finally, I'd like to recommend you hire Cameron Z as elementary school custodian pending his background check. >> So moved. >> Second. And before you vote, the
075conversation we had with him today um is that we would start at the elementary school. You might recall we back well long before I was here, there was we have two full-time custodians at the elementary school and two full-time custodians at the high school. Right now, we're currently operating with one at each. And so the discussion we had today, Russ and I and and with Cameron was that because we're about to have a maternity leave, he'll he'll start there and then we'll just make decisions about how we want to use his talents and you know where we want to put him after that if it's a combination. We don't full both two people fulltime with elementary school whatever. But for now he's he would be starting as the replacement for our current elementary custodian until
076further notice. Okay. All in favor? I >> post. Anything else? >> Okay. So, future agenda items. Um, superintendent evaluation. We'll do that at the next board meeting. So, please send me your responses. >> Remind me. >> Yeah. I I'll send another reminder probably Friday. >> So, you have a moment. Um, maybe >> if I see it on Well, I don't by like Sunday, but >> I'll be like gone on a Friday. >> That's fine. I will also be gone on Friday. >> So, if I get a reminder on Monday, that way >> I will remind all of you at some point. >> I need to be like at work in front of my computer to see the >> You might get calls at 5 a.m. >> Remind you. >> Yeah. Up at 2 a.m. >>
077I'll remember. I remember it now. >> Now we're all reminding. So we will do that at the next meetings. Um I think that is it. We have anything else? >> Okay. Mr. Argent called me today. He's just so excited. He wanted to know if I sent him an annual so he familiarized himself with the students names and faces. He put I gave they have that I have the in my office a couple three four of them in my office and so they both had a chance to look at it. >> Yep. But if he could send if I can send that to him. So >> I was I was almost wondering about a subscription to the river press and >> she will get one once he comes because Pat has one. >> Yeah. >> But
078we could if you want me to change it over to his address. I'm sure the residents of W loved SU as >> it was a nice touch that that the Bethany and the paper got gave me when after I was hired they gave me an electronic subscription until I land in >> Oh yeah, we can do that again. >> Yeah, it was it was awesome for his email. I'll I'll send him >> awesome I get it at school now upon arrival but it's it's really it was really nice for me to begin to get connected to the community. >> Yeah, I think that would be good for him. And then we're still deciding when he's coming, right? >> Sorry. >> We're still deciding when he's coming. >> He did ask me about days that I
079felt would be best. And I did tell him like Longhorn day cuz they get out of school the week before we do. >> Um and so he was like, "Oh, maybe I could come >> that last week." >> That'd be fun. We do the senior citizen lunch. >> Senior citizen Longhorn day, track and field day, I said would be good days. >> Totally. Um >> or like an assembly day. That would be so much fun. and he thought it might be nice to come before we hit like state track, state tennis, and everyone could go to those events and would know. >> Cool. >> Yep. >> That's great. >> Is he shopping for a place to live then or he found? >> So, he met up with um through the, you know, Lima connection because
080my uncle taught there in Lima for a long time. Um and then he met up with my dad when he was here and um he went and down here to talk to Roger Axman and they looked at two houses I think. >> Okay. >> And then um he visited with Christina Valentine too. So >> cool. >> I think he's looked at a couple. >> Good. >> So, okay. Are we ready to adjourn? >> Second. >> All those in favor? Good board meeting, guys. I don't know.