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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-2012_Work_SessionDr. Charles J. Shackett, Superintendent Dr. Bruce Roberts, Deputy Superintendent 3497 North Ammon Road, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401  (208) 525-4400  Fax (208) 529-0104  www.d93.k12.id.us Board of Trustees  Craig Lords  Annette Winchester  Wendy Horman  Kip Nelson  DeVere Hunt Bonneville Joint School District No. 93 is an Equal Opportunity Employer Marjean McConnell, Assistant Superintendent Minutes Work Session Lincoln High School May 2, 2012 11:45 a.m. I. Call to Order Chairman Lords called the meeting to order at 11:50 a.m. II. Roll Call Board Members present: Chairman Craig Lords, Vice-Chairman Annette Winchester, Trustee Kip Nelson, and Treasurer Wendy Horman. Others in attendance were Superintendent Chuck Shackett, Assistant Superintendent Marjean McConnell, Health and Safety Coordinator Guy Bliesner, Chief Financial Operations Officer April Burton, Principal Gordon Howard, Principal Craig Miller, Director of Operations Todd Hicks, Energy Education Specialist Don Trauntvein, Director of Plant Facility/Purchasing, Board Clerk Valerie Messick, Holly Giglio, Renee Cook, Jody Barnes, Mary Blake, and members of the Lincoln High School Student Council: Akela Getsinger, Jalisa Aschliman, Jean Hurrle, Macey Hess. III. Lincoln High School Student Council Presentation Chairman Lords asked each of the students to tell the Board what school they came from and their grade. He then asked the students to tell what has been happening at Lincoln, what they like about the school, and what their plans are after graduation. The students stated that they have learned to help others because they all needed help at one time and there was someone there to help get them through. The choir will sing for graduation and performs in the community twice a year. Everyone understands each other and helps each other at the school. The council discusses any new students and goes out of their way to talk to them and try to encourage them. Students at Lincoln learn in different ways. They spend all day in one class. Teachers get students involved one-to-one. There are only 16 per class so the students get help more easily and they can communicate better with teachers. Teachers get to know the students personally. You can meet more friends and get to know everyone by name and things about each one. The students all stated that the intended to participate in post-secondary education of some sort. Chairman Lords thanked the students and told them that they could make a difference every day no matter what they do. Student leaders do make a difference. Mr. Howard stated that these students are good students and Lincoln has an excellent staff as well. The students were dismissed to return to class. IV. Items for Discussion A. Technical Careers High School - Charter Pros and Cons - Craig Miller and April Burton Pros These are strictly financial advantages in the availability of startup money and the student to teacher ratio of 14 – 1 as opposed to 18 – 1. That could mean $300,000 yearly. Between grants from Albertsons Foundation and the Federal Government, there is $850,000 available for startup costs. When asked about the odds of getting a grant, Mr. Miller stated that only 2 of 40 schools were not awarded grant money. Federal grants will be managed by the State Charter Commission. Cons If we were to charter the school, the District would no longer be able to offer the Professional Technical Courses in the building. Students enrolled at Hillcrest or Bonneville would have to enroll at the Charter to take these classes. Statute doesn’t allow the District to enroll students in a Charter School. Ultimately the school would not belong to the District because by statute it would have its own board of directors and a change in leadership could cause problems. The District owns the facilities and would have to lease them to the Charter School. We bonded $2 million for professional technical programs and we would have to lease the facilities at market value. The facilities piece for Charter Schools is huge and it becomes difficult to sustain them. Often they lose their focus as time goes on. It is very difficult for the District to hold Charter Schools Accountable. The discussion centered on a better use of tax dollars might be offering choices as a District so all students have the opportunity to attend. Magnet schools might be the answer. We might need to look to private donors to help support the school. We can do it without the startup grants. When asked about dual credit opportunities, Mr. Miller responded that students can get halfway to an associate’s degree by the time they graduate. Reciprocal partnerships for use of facilities may make it easier for our students. The recommendation Mrs. Burton and Mr. Miller is not to pursue the Charter School option and move forward. B. Facilities Use - Don Trauntvein Mr. Trauntvein spoke about the modified procedure for facilities rental and putting all rental rates on one form that can be filled out online and copies will be sent to the appropriate people. The kitchens in the District have expensive equipment and it is not worth it to risk damaging these items by renting the kitchens. When asked about the cost to run the lights at Thunder Stadium, Mr. Trauntvein responded that it is about $300. The lights in the gym at Hillcrest cost more than Thunder. He added that the District is requesting that all users of District facilities fill out an application even if the requested use is for the outside fields and grounds. That will reduce conflicts over use. The process is open and people can apply online. V. Call for Agenda Items for Upcoming Meetings A. Executive Session May 9, 2012 – 6:30 p.m. B. Regular Meeting May 9, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. C. Retirement Open House May 15, 2012 - 3:30 p.m. D. District Picnic May 25, 2012 - 11:30 a.m. - Bonneville High School E. Work Session May 30, 2012 - 11:30 a.m. - District Office Board Room VI. Adjournment Chairman Lords asked if there would be a motion to adjourn. Motion: Kip Nelson made the motion to adjourn. Wendy Horman seconded. The Vote: 4 in favor with 0 abstentions and 0 Opposed. Motion passed. APPROVED: _________________________ Chairperson ATTESTED: __________________________ Clerk Date: ___________________