RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Monday, December 5, 2005
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:30 p.m.
Board: Nelson, Pitts,
Taylor, Peach, Caraway, Limmex, Anderson, Pronold, Roske, Matia Manske (Student
Representative)
Absent: N/A
Admin: Benson, Hayek, Briehl, Palm-Leis, Kaukl
Others: Paula Wedige (Secretary)
Anderson 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. Pitts moved to proceed with the legal meeting. Caraway seconded. Motion carried.
Board Training
Opportunities
Nelson reported that there is an
Employment Seminar in Wausau on December 9 and a Support Staff Bargaining
Seminar in Madison on January 13. The WASB Convention is being held January
17-20 in Milwaukee.
Legislative Update
Taylor provided a legislative update
which outlines a proposed new “Property Taxpayer Protection” amendment which
limits local government spending increases to the consumer price index—the
proposal requires the state to increase both school aids and shared revenue by
at least the consumer price index. The Wisconsin Council on Children and
Families will hold statewide forums to help communities understand the potential
effects of TABOR in Wisconsin. These forums are entitled “The Trouble with
TABOR.” A lawsuit by the NEA challenging the mandatory testing provisions of No
Child Left Behind as an unfunded mandate has been dismissed.
Student Council Report
Matia Manske represented the Student
Council and noted that Wal-Mart is donating $1,000 to the Student Council for a
memorial for the high school students who died in a car accident in January.
The Student Council is currently planning a dance or card tournament for the
students.
Policy Committee Meeting
Date
A Policy Committee meeting was set for
6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 19, at the Central Office.
Community Survey Results
Results of the community survey were
distributed showing responses by demographic—age group, elementary closest to
residence, and whether or not respondents have children in school. Also
distributed was a categorized list of written comments compiled from all surveys
returned by the deadline date. A supplemental list of written comments shows
comments from surveys that were returned after the deadline. It was reiterated
that the survey is advisory and is a tool to help the Board to establish
budgetary priorities. Benson stated it is important for everyone to understand
that although the survey results will be a critical part of the overall
decision-making process, these results alone will not be the only criteria used
to establish budgetary priorities.
It was noted that some options to deal with budget deficits might include use of fund balance, cuts to programs and services, holding a referendum, other options, or a combination of options. Pronold asked about timelines related to these budgetary decisions. It was stated that in order to hold a referendum, the Board must pass a resolution 42 days prior to the election date. It was clarified that if teacher cuts are to be made for 2006-07, the negotiated agreement stipulates that preliminary notice must be provided to a teacher by April 20.
Hayek shared a fund balance spend down document and explained the impact of using fund balance which includes the need for short term borrowing.
Kaukl stated that class registration for high school students for 2006-07 should be known by late January. He added that the district is doing well providing education using differentiated instruction in order that all students can succeed.
Consent Agenda: Checks,
Invoices, Receipts – November 2005
Pitts moved to accept the consent
agenda items as submitted. Caraway seconded. Motion carried.
District Goals - Final
Review and Acknowledgement
Caraway moved to adopt the district
goals for 2005-06 as presented which include using differentiated instruction
and educational research to improve student achievement. Limmex seconded.
Motion carried.
Consideration & Action on
Resolutions Accepting Gifts
Pitts moved to adopt the Resolution
Accepting Gifts of $200 from Terry Askevold to the athletic department. Taylor
seconded. Polled vote was 9-0 in the affirmative. Motion carried.
Caraway moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $725 from Terry Askevold to the high school basketball cheerleading program. Pronold seconded. Polled vote was 9-0 in the affirmative. Motion carried.
Pronold moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $100 from Derrick and Janet Gee to Fund 21 to be used for needy students and their families. Taylor seconded. Polled vote was 9-0 in the affirmative. Motion carried.
Consideration & Action to
Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c)
for 2005-07 RVEA Collective Bargaining Update and for the purpose of preparing
for the Superintendent Evaluation in January
Taylor moved to adjourn to closed
session at 8:45 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c)
for 2005-07 RVEA Collective Bargaining Update and for the purpose of preparing
for the Superintendent Evaluation in January. Limmex seconded. Motion carried.
Submitted by Paula Wedige For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk
03/10/08 pw