November 20, 2006 

Meeting # 6  

MINUTES OF MEETING # 6 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF BLACK RIVER FALLS ON NOVEMBER 20, 2006 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM. 

Board Members Present: Ramie Bakken, Paul Bohac, Lois Corey, Don Mathews, Barb Sedelbauer, Bill Waughtal 

Board Members Absent: Jeff Pugh 

The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Lois Corey at 6:00 p.m. 

Notices of the meeting were delivered to the Banner Journal, WWIS Radio Station and Jackson County Chronicle and posted in three (3) public places on November 16, 2006. 

Meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Barb Sedelbauer moved to approve the consent agenda.  Paul Bohac seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

Paul Bohac moved to approve the Spring Youth Options applications as presented.  Don Mathews seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

Dr. Richards reported that Forrest Street School was one of eight (8) schools from Wisconsin that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction planned to nominate as a Blue Ribbon School to the United States Department of Education.  A Blue Ribbon School must exhibit exemplary growth in reading and math over a three year time frame.  In this case, Forrest Street qualified as a “rapidly improving school” under the guidelines for schools with high numbers of low income students.  The bad news is the school will not qualify for the award because it no longer houses any tested grades.  Nonetheless, Jon Warmke and the staff that worked at Forrest Street are very pleased with this “almost recognition.”     

The Black River Falls Alumni Foundation is moving ahead with a major fundraiser with a target of $400,000.  So far, they are about a quarter of the way toward their goal.  The foundation plans to use the interest gained on the money toward items the district needs that they are unable to fund through the general budget process. 

He also reported that Carole Byrns, food service employee, will be retiring at the end of December after 27 ½ years with the district.  Barb Olson and Bob Lecheler were recognized for their involvement with the play, “The Hobbitt”. 

The consensus of the board was to hold the December Board meeting at 4:30 p.m. to allow everyone time to attend the holiday programs that are scheduled. 

Strategic plan update: 

The facility study is ongoing as Brad Simonson, HSR Associates, continues to review the status of the district buildings.  A report should be available soon. 

The principals report good progress related to the ongoing development and use of professional learning communities.  The present emphasis is on the creation of end-of-course (or grade) essential elements and the development of common assessments. 

Data from the middle and high schools related to district achievement goals show that both schools exceeded the board’s goals for the first term.   

Amy Yaeger, business education teacher, presented an overview of the establishment of a DECA Club at the high school.  DECA is an international association of high school and college students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service.  The DECA chapter will replace the former FBLA chapter. 

Gretchen Sierk, representing a group of faculty members, addressed the board about safety measures.  Various school safety measures are in place across the district.  The principals are working on safety measures that would be same in all the school buildings so students and staff would not have to learn new measures as they move from building to building.  The faculty members would like to see the return of a police liaison officer in the district.  The next meeting of the safety committee will be in January.  The board will be notified of the time and place of the meeting and are welcome to attend. 

Dr. Richards reported that Human Services has offered $5,000.00 to pay for the services of a police officer in the schools on a limited basis for the duration of the second semester.  The actual time worked will total about 400 hours. The high school will be holding a Mock Emergency Drill on Friday, December 8 during the late start time.  

Lisa Rufsholm, substitute teacher, addressed the board with concerns about the new substitute calling system AESOP.  She stated she is representing a number of substitute teachers that are concerned with the new system.  Jill Collins, director of business services, stated that the system seems to be working quite well and all district absences have been filled on a timely basis.  Dr. Richards and Jill will review the concerns Lisa presented and give the board an update. 

Lois Corey, Barb Sedelbauer, Dr. Lecheler, and Dr. Richards attended an interactive WASB Bargaining Seminar. 

The Curriculum and Instruction Committee is focusing on graduation related issues.  The committee put together a policy on Class Rank/Honors that states class rank will be determined after eight (8) semesters at the end of the senior year.  The policy, 345.55, Class Rank/Honors Policy, was reviewed by the Policy Committee and is presented tonight for the first reading by the full Board of Education.  They also created a survey to be sent to the “early graduation participants” regarding why they decided to graduate early. 

The Policy Committee is recommending to the full board that the Boys’ and Girls’ Club be granted free use of the Third Street gym through the 2006-2007 school year.  The committee further recommends that the board set a reduced fee effective with the 2007-2008 school year. 

Barb Sedelbauer moved to waive the fee for the Boys’ and Girls’ Club to use the Third Street gym through the remainder of the 2006-07 school year and pay a reduced fee for the 2007-08 school year.  Paul Bohac seconded the motion.  Motion carried. 

The policy committee also presented revisions to policy 372 Student Fundraising which would allow the approval of fundraising activities to be moved from the board to the administration.  This policy is being presented for its first reading. 

Future agenda items: 

Core Agenda

Follow-up items 

Don Mathews moved to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.  Ramie Bakken seconded the motion. 

Ayes:  Ramie Bakken, Paul Bohac, Lois Corey, Don Mathews, Barb Sedelbauer, Bill Waughtal

Nays: None 

Motion carried.  The meeting was adjourned.