for Meridian

Board Meeting Minutes
July 17, 2002

CALL TO ORDER/FLAG SALUTE/INTRODUCTIONS

Vice Chair Judy Boxx called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Board members present were Sheri Folsom, Judy Boxx, Charlie Crabtree and Rob Olson.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

ADOPT AGENDA

A motion to adopt the agenda was made by Sheri Folsom and seconded by Charlie Crabtree. Motion passed.

CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes for June 19, 2002 and July 12, 2002
2. Accounts Payable/Payroll
3. Budget Status Reports
4. Title V Program Application

REPORTS

1. Superintendent's Report
   
   
   1. Interest Based Bargaining Summary - MEA
      Mr. Dickerson gave an overview of the interest-based bargaining recently completed with Meridian Education Association. He said the District Team and the MEA Team each prepared a list of issues. These lists were brought together and shared. A master list was then prepared and the teams worked through the 12 issues identified. Mr. Dickerson identified and explained each issue and said the process went positively and smoothly. He noted that the length of the contract is for three years with financial issues open for negotiation after one year. He said the next step would be for board and MEA approval of the tentative agreement.
      
      
   2. Progress on District Goals/Strategic Plan
      Superintendent Dickerson gave an interim report on progress toward district goals for 2001-2002. He explained that the goals are used to guide the district over the next five years. He also distributed a Strategic Plan Goals Worksheet that outlines the strategy, action/timeline, person/group, resources and assessment for each of the five major goals: academic, community, facilities, administrative, and staff. Mr. Dickerson said this is a working document and will change over time. He also said he will call the committee together soon to review and continue the work on the action plans.

PUBLIC HEARING
Proposed District Budget for 2002-2003

Mr. Dickerson and Mrs. Calman presented copies of the proposed district budget for 2002-2003 and gave an overview. Mr. Dickerson explained that the large amount of carryover funds is due mostly to I-728 funds. Discussion followed. Rob Olson said he would like to know what is the cost per pupil to educate a student in relation to the overall budget. Superintendent Dickerson said he would gather information and report back at a future meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Charlie Crabtree said he appreciated the end of the year library report provided by each school librarian. He said the reports gave information on the libraries during the past school year and addressed future goals and challenges. Mr. Crabtree also noted that all the libraries in the district are open on Tuesday evenings and that his family had visited the IRPS library along with several other families. Rob Olson said that in one of the library reports, it was stated that reading was at a higher level and was most likely attributed to the Open Court Reading Curriculum. It was also noted that Jack Johnson has posted the district certificated and classified applications on the district web site.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. Resolution No. 6-02 District Budget for 2002-2003
   Resolution No. 6-02 approving the proposed district budget for 2002-2003 was adopted on a motion by Charlie Crabtree and seconded by Rob Olson.
   
   
2. I-728 Plan
   The I-728 Plan for 2002-2003 was adopted on a motion by Rob Olson and seconded by Sheri Folsom.
   
   
3. Second Reading and Adoption - Policy 2410 Graduation Requirements
   There was second reading and discussion of board policy 2410-Graduation Requirements. Discussion followed. Rob Olson made a motion to adopt board policy 2410 with the changes discussed. Charlie Crabtree seconded the motion and motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Resolution No. 7-02 Transfer of Funds to Transportation Vehicle Fund
   Charlie Crabtree made a motion to approve Resolution No. 7-02 Transfer of Funds to Transportation Vehicle Fund. Rob Olson seconded the motion and motion passed.
   
   
2. Surplus Property - School Bus No. 13
   On a motion by Charlie Crabtree and a second by Sheri Folsom, School Bus No.13 was declared surplus property.
   
   
3. Review Personnel Selection Policy
   Superintendent Dickerson said there has been discussion regarding the need to clarify language in personnel policies with emphasis on how to deal with the occasional need to fill personnel vacancies on an interim basis. He said there is no wording in the personnel policies on what direction to take if qualified candidates are unavailable. Mr. Dickerson said a sentence could be added stating the superintendent is authorized to select and recommend an interim candidate if necessary. It was decided that this topic would be continued for further discussion.
   
   
4. Personnel Report
   The personnel report was approved on a motion by Rob Olson and seconded by Sheri Folsom.
   
   
5. First Reading - Policy No. 1400 Meetings
   There was first reading of board policy No. 1400 Meetings.
   
   
6. Sale of Real Property
   Superintendent Dickerson said Herb Krause, neighboring property owner to the north of the high school campus, would be losing the parking lot to his business due to the widening of the Guide Meridian. Mr. Krause has proposed buying a narrow strip of property from the district, approximately 25 feet wide, for a new parking lot. After discussion it was suggested that Mr. Dickerson contact a property appraiser to find out the fair market value, speak with architect John Stewart and explore in more detail the guidelines for selling public property.

ADJOURNMENT

Vice Chair Judy Boxx adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m.