HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999_10_26 Board MinutesBOARD OF TRUSTEES
IDAHO FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 91
Board Meeting Minutes
October 26, 1999
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY - "Good News" School: Osgood Elementary
Opening Ceremonies:
Kindergarten Teacher Angie Lee led the .Pledge of Allegiance.
"Good News" School Program:
Principal Rodger Barlow presented opening remarks and identified programs and activities that
take place at Osgood. He described Osgood as a family of teachers, students, parents and
support stafl:
Volunteer of the Month
The Osgood staff, Board of Trustees and community honored Marie Putnam as the Volunteer of
the Month.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
It was moved by Sharon Parry and seconded by Jerry Wixom to adopt the agenda as presented.
Motion passed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes: October 12, 1999
Matching Funds Request: Bunker Elementary, Playground Equipment and Installation: $5,$00
It was moved by Jerry Wixom and seconded by Sharon Parry to approve the Consent Agenda
items as presented. Motion passed.
Total amount of matching funds awarded to date: $25,053.03
REPORTS
Skyline Student Representative Ann Cheney reported on activities and apologized to the Trustees
and Administration for the actions of a few Skyline students prior to the IFkIS/SHS football
game. She noted that their actions did not represent the attitude of student body of the school..
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Page Two -Board Meeting Minutes
October 26, 1999
ACTION ITEMS
Resolution of the School District 91 Cafeteria Plans:
Assistant Superintendent Ken Schow reviewed the Cafeteria Plans administered by the
District and asked that the Board ratify the resolution to terminate the following plans as
of August 1999: SOIA, SO1B and 502 (FLEX). The Board of Trustees was then asked to
ratify two new Cafeteria Plans beginning September 1999, as follows:
Cafeteria Plan for Hourly Employees - 503, and
Cafeteria Plan for Salaried Employees - 504.
It was further resolved that the Assistant Superintendent of Business & Operations have
the full power and authority on behalf of the Board and the District to amend or terminate
at any time, such new plans as deemed advisable for the best interests of the District.
It was moved by Robert Collette and seconded by Jerry Wixom to ratify the resolution as
presented. Motion passed.
Conclusion of Business Meeting: 7:20 P.M.
PUBLIC HEARING -Osgood Elementary
The following Osgood patrons presented information on behalf of Osgood School:
Brian Westphal spoke regarding enrollment trends for the last ten years and the distinct
merits of Osgood School.
Soren Magnuson presented information regarding recent building trends in the City of
Idaho Falls and the possible impact they may present for Osgood in the next 2 years. He
asked that the Trustees allow Osgood to remain open pending the outcome of growth
patterns on the West side.
Sue Landon talked about the intangible benefits of Osgood Elementary. The community
is involved in the school; teachers know each student, students stick together, they are
high achievers, leaders and well adjusted. The small school setting helps all students.
Mrs. Landon informed the Trustees that the community was willing to compromise in
order to keep Osgood open.
Dave Stoddard addressed the costs related to keeping Osgood School open. He agreed
that the school district must be run as a business, but asked that the Board carefully
consider all factors and look at the results that the school provides. He accepted the fact
that there may be a need to cut back on some items and was willing to adjust to keep the
school open. Options to cut casts included boundary adjustments, staffing, combining
activities and innovative programs. He noted. that Osgood students were high achievers,
responsible and well adjusted. He asked that the Board consider the results that come
from Osgood, both past and present, which speaks highly of the school.
Page Three ~ Board Meeting Minutes
October 26, 1999
Kevin Ward read a letter from the Bonneville County Sheriff s Office that supported
keeping Osgood School open.
Gary Marshall informed the Board that he had attended Osgood as well as his 7 children
and hoped to see his grandchildren attend the school. The school represents mare than
just a building; it has a wonderful spirit and proves that "smaller is better". He asked the
Board to please think about the reasons why the school should remain open. He noted
the great opportunity to be creative with the only small community school left in the
district and asked that the Board have faith in Osgood and not close that door to
opportunity.
Tony Hafla related that from personal experience, his three children. are well adjusted
and have benefited from the "intangible" qualities that Osgood provides.
Pam Stewart commented that a friend in Denver was modeling a program after the one
that she had been involved in at Osgood.
Brett Jensen informed the Board that there were still family farms in Osgood and he
wanted his children to be able to attend the school.
Debra Warner said that her children had been overlooked at Osgood. Osgood is
important to our kids.
Tom Bailey asked if the Trustees had made a decision regarding Osgood and was told
that no decision had been made.
Sandy Bates, a District 91 bus driver, informed the Board that bus routes would be
longer if Osgood students were bussed to different schools.
Board Response and Questions/Answers:
Chairman Alan Reed informed those present that the Board must naw consider the
infarmatian that had been presented by patrons. After a period of questions and
responses from the Board, Mr. Reed informed patrons that the decision. regarding Osgood
would involve athree-step process:
Step 1: Information item at a regular Board meeting.
Step 2: Discussion item at a regular Board meeting.
Step 3: Action item at a regular Board meeting.
No vote will be taken until the issue has progressed through the three steps. It was
moved by Alan Reed and seconded by Sharon Parry to fallow the three-step process
regarding the status of the Osgood School. Motion passed.
Superintendent explained that no jobs would be lost should the school be closed. All
existing staff would be reassigned to simi lar positions in the district.
Chairman Reed thanked all those who attended the hearing to express their support for
Osgood School.
Page Four --Board Meeting Minutes
October 26, 1999
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Alan Reed and seconded by Sharon Parry to adjourn the meeting. Tirne: 8:40
P.M. Motion passed.
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