for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Chair Mary Mattison called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board members in attendance were Charlie Crabtree, Rob Olson, Judy Boxx and Mary Mattison.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and introductions were made.

ADOPT AGENDA

A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Rob Olson and seconded by Judy Boxx. Motion passed.

CONSENT AGENDA

The following items on the consent agenda were approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Rob Olson.

A. Minutes for January 16, 2002 and February 6, 2002
B. Accounts Payable/Payroll
C. Budget Status Reports
D. Resolution No. 1-02 Authorizing Investments
E. Resolution No. 2-02 Canceling Outstanding Warrants

REPORTS

Superintendent's Report

1. Monthly Pupil Enrollment Count
   Mr. Dickerson said enrollment has been fluctuating and was down 5 FTE from the January count.
   
   
2. School Construction
   Superintendent Dickerson reported that he, the architect, general contractor, maintenance supervisor, and middle school principal meet on a weekly basis at the middle school to walk through the construction site and observe progress. He said the roof is on the gymnasium; heating, ventilation, and ductwork is installed below the roofline; and the stucco finish is going on quickly. Mr. Dickerson said the contractor is on schedule and anticipates completing the project sometime in April, which includes the parking lot and playing fields. He said overall, the project is moving along well.
   
   
3. Smith Road Property
   Superintendent Dickerson reported that he had contacted a land appraiser regarding the possible sale of the Smith Road property. He said the appraiser had discovered that the property, which totals 37 acres, had already been divided into four separate parcels. There was discussion as to the financial advantages of selling the property in four separate parcels versus one large parcel. Also discussed was determining the best way to handle the legal transaction of selling the property.
   
   
4. Deer Creek Water Association Proposal
   Mr. Dickerson said Tom Schoen from Deer Creek Water Association had contacted him to inquire if the district would be interested in buying a second membership share. Mr. Schoen said the amount of the share is $5,500, and would be available for a limited time. Mr. Dickerson explained that the district would save a substantial amount of money in the long term by dividing the district office and the high school sites. There was board consensus to purchase the additional membership. Mr. Dickerson said he would await the formal offer from Deer Creek Water Association.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Second Reading and Adoption - Policy Revisions
There was second reading of board policy revisions. Charlie Crabtree moved to adopt the policy revisions and Judy Boxx seconded the motion. Motion passed. (See attached)

B. Strategic Plan
Superintendent Dickerson said the Strategic Plan with the Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Five Year Goals 2002-2007 had been finalized by completing the work on the Goals. He said he appreciated the work of the board, and all the members who participated. Judy Boxx made a motion to accept the Strategic Plan and Rob Olson seconded the motion. Motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

A. School Levy - Resolution No. 3-02
Steve Burton, Chair of the Citizens' Advisory Committee, presented a letter from the committee recommending the board move forward with a second Maintenance and Operation Levy request with the levy amount remaining the same. Mr. Dickerson said the district would need to file a resolution with the Election Department by March 8, for an April 23 levy election. Discussion followed. Resolution No. 3-02 was approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Rob Olson.

B. Personnel Report
The personnel report was approved on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Judy Boxx. (See attached)

C. Set Study Sessions Dates
There was discussion of a need to set dates for study sessions to provide more opportunity to discuss topics at greater length. Two topics considered for the sessions are the high school culminating project and the athletic program. Mr. Dickerson will check on possible meeting dates in March with high school administrators and make the final arrangements.

D. Budget Planning for 2002-2003 Fiscal Year - Parameters/Priorities
Mr. Dickerson explained that it was time to start preliminary work on budget building for 2002-03. He said the legislature is grappling with a budget shortfall that will impact public education. He said it would be a challenge to carefully plan budgets with the possible reductions in school funding. He briefly described the General Fund Budget Parameters and Priorities, the principles to guide the process and an outline that spells out the steps in budget development. Discussion followed.

E. School Calendar Proposal for 2002-2003
Superintendent Dickerson said development of the school calendar proceeded quickly due largely to the calendar template adopted last school year. He said the committee was comprised of a board member, parent, administrator, student, and staff members. Rob Olson moved to adopt the school calendar for 2002-2003. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and motion passed.

ADJOURNMENT

Mary Mattison adjourned the meeting at 8:07 p.m.