RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Monday, December 10, 2007
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:00 p.m.

Board: Nelson, Ferguson, Cates, Crowley, Taylor, Caraway, Kali Coleman (Student Council Rep), Travis Kraemer (Student Council Rep)
Absent:  Peach, Pronold, Cummings
Admin: Hayek, Kaukl, Benson, Palm-Leis, Radtke
Others:  Jeff Sawyer, Kristin Muenster, Colleen McQuade, Theresa Brown, David Giffey (Home News), Paula Wedige (Administrative Assistant)

President Caraway opened the meeting.  He noted that the meeting had been properly noticed and notice had been provided to the appropriate media and each School Board Member.  Crowley moved to proceed with the legal meeting.  Cates seconded.  Motion carried.

MATC Services
MATC speaker postponed until a later meeting date.

Guidance Department Comprehensive School Counseling Model
The district guidance counselors gave an overview of a comprehensive school counseling model they would like to implement in our district.  The program consists of contact with 100% of the students and focuses on being proactive instead of only responding to at-risk student needs.  The students and their parents would be invited to conferences with the counselors during grades 5, 8, 10, and 11, to discuss personal, social, academic, and career goals. 

Charter School Possibilities and Related Timeline
Benson provided a draft timeline for examining charter school possibilities as a school improvement opportunities program—not necessarily a replacement for existing programs.  This idea is still in the early stages and much more information gathering and discussion will continue in future Board meetings.  Parental involvement will be critical in determining if there will be a charter and of what type.

Legislative Update
Taylor noted that the November 15 Senate Education Committee public hearing regarding state school funding reform lasted six hours and a joint resolution that was introduced calls for reform by July 2009.  Also, federal education funding vetoed by President Bush means a loss of $7.3 million in Title I and $13.5 million in special education dollars.  Taylor also reported that the Wisconsin Virtual Academy, operated by the Northern Ozaukee School District, will be denied state open enrollment funds based on the outcome of a WEAC lawsuit filed in 2004 stating violation of charter, open enrollment, and teacher licensing laws.  The Northern Ozaukee District is planning to appeal.

Region 10 Annual Meeting Update
Taylor attended the Region 10 Annual Meeting which presented ideas for expanding communication between schools and their communities.

Board Training Opportunities
Caraway, Taylor, and Cates, along with Benson and Hayek, will be attending the annual WASB Convention in January 2008.

Student Council Report
Student Council representatives, Travis Kramer and Kali Coleman, provided an update on several student council projects:  an all school activities calendar is now posted in the office; the penny war fundraiser for charity has begun; the data match activity is being planned for February; and there will be more discussion regarding involvement in the 4 Pete’s Sake fundraiser.

Public Comments/Open Forum
No discussion.

Consent Agenda:  Checks, Invoices, Receipts – November 2007; Open Session Meeting Minutes – November 8, 2007
Taylor moved to approve the consent agenda items as submitted.  Ferguson seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on First Reading of New and Revised Policies
Cates moved to approve the first reading of Policy #423 – Public School Open Enrollment to reflect a change in the law that no longer allows a district to restrict the number of open enrollment students leaving the district.  Crowley seconded.  Motion carried.

Ferguson moved to approve the first reading of Policy #423-Rule - Public School Open Enrollment to reflect that part-time open enrollment applications, like full time, are reviewed by the Superintendent for recommendation to the Board but that the Board takes action—not the Superintendent.  Crowley seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolution Accepting Gifts
Taylor moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $313.38 from Michael Broh to the High School Music Department.  Cates seconded.  Polled vote was 6-0 in the affirmative with 3 absent.  Motion carried.

Ferguson moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $100 from Derrick and Janet Gee to Fund 21 be used by needy students and their families.  Crowley seconded.  Polled vote was 6-0 in the affirmative with 3 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action to Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for Preparation for the Superintendent Evaluation in January and 19.85(1)(e) to Discuss Bus Transportation Bid Process
Crowley moved to adjourn to closed session at 8:30 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for Preparation for the Superintendent Evaluation in January and 19.85(1)(e) to Discuss Bus Transportation Bid Process.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 6-0 in the affirmative with 3 absent.  Motion carried.

Submitted by Paula Wedige For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk

01/15/08 pw