RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Monday, November 28, 2005
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:30 p.m.

Board: Nelson, Taylor, Peach, Caraway, Limmex, Anderson, Pronold, Matia Manske (Student Representative)

Absent: Pitts, Roske
Admin: Benson, Hayek, Hoffman, Palm-Leis, Kaukl
Others:  Todd Miller, Sue Sadler, Matt Snow, David Giffey (Home News), Aaron Joyce (WRCO), 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.  Peach moved to proceed with the legal meeting.  Taylor seconded.  Motion carried.

Board Training Opportunities
Nelson reported that there is an Employment Seminar in Madison on December 2 and 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 noting that a bill was defeated regarding lowest funding for Title I and special education.

Student Council Report
Matia Manske noted that the student council is planning an assembly and dance before Christmas.   They are also decorating the school for Christmas and organizing a fundraiser for the food pantry.

District Goals
The two main district goals for 2005-06 are differentiated instruction and educational research to improve student achievement.  The Board will take action in December to establish these district goals.

Community Survey Results
The Board reviewed the first draft of the community survey results which showed statistical responses to the survey questions.  Written comments will be typed and distributed to the Board at the December Board meeting.  There was a 15% return rate of the over 4,500 surveys mailed.  Benson thanked the central office staff for their work in compiling the survey results.  The survey results will be used by the Board to help make decisions related to the budget deficit and will be discussed and analyzed to a greater extent at the next Board meeting.

Music Department Trip to New York
Matt Snow, High School Band Teacher, was present to outline the details of a music department field trip to New York during Spring Break.  All costs for the trip will be paid for by fundraising efforts.

Consent Agenda:  Checks, Invoices, Receipts – October 2005
Limmex moved to approve the consent agenda items as submitted.  Taylor seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolutions Accepting Gifts
Limmex moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $500 from Keith and Mary Louise Symon to Fund 21 to be used for needy students and their families.  Pronold seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Taylor moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of an anonymous donation of $20 to Skills USA VICA in memory of Eldon Pratt.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Caraway moved to adopt Resolutions Accepting Gifts of monetary donations to cover the cost of a charter bus for the volleyball team’s journey to the state tournament as follows:  Cardinal Glass, $500; Jack and Margaret Johnson, $100; Johnson-Block, $100; Kraemer Brothers, $250; Ted Lins, $100; M&I Bank, $100; Peoples’ Community Bank, $250; and Royal Bank, $250.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.  Kaukl noted that WIAA officials at the state tournament relayed positive comments about our fans, players, and pep band.

Taylor moved to adopt Resolutions Accepting Gifts of monetary donations to the high school basketball cheerleading program as follows:  P&P Grain, $200; Shoe Box, $50; Robson Construction, $40; and Spring Green Vision Center, $50.  Pronold seconded.  Polled vote was

7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Limmex moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $115 from Vincent and Barbara Garvoille to the high school band program.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Teacher Hiring
Limmex moved to hire Anne Sayotovich on a one-year, limited term contract as a Cognitive Disabilities Teacher at Spring Green Elementary through the remainder of the 2005-06 school year.  Pronold seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resignation of School Psychologist
Taylor moved to accept the resignation of Lisa Schrader, School Psychologist, effective January 20, 2006.  Caraway seconded.  Motion carried.

The Board discussed upcoming Board meeting dates and changed dates as follows:  December Regular Board Meeting moved to December 5 at 7:30 p.m.; December Special Board Meeting set for December 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and January Regular Board Meeting moved to January 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Consideration & Action to Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for 2005-07 RVEA and RVEST Collective Bargaining Update and 19.85(1)(f) for Discussion of Employee Complaint
Pronold moved to adjourn to closed session at 8:27 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for 2005-07 RVEA and RVEST Collective Bargaining Update and 19.85(1)(f) for Discussion of Employee Complaint.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Submitted by Paula Wedige For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk

03/10/08 pw