RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:30 p.m.

Board: Pitts, Nelson, Taylor, Peach, Caraway, Anderson, Pronold, Elizabeth Litviak (Student Council)
Absent: Roske, Limmex
Admin: Benson, Hayek, Hoffman, Palm-Leis, Briehl (7:35 p.m.)
Others:  David Giffey (Home News), Julie Kuhse (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.  Taylor seconded.  Motion carried.

Anderson informed those in attendance of the death of Eldon Pratt and recognized his contributions to the River Valley School District.

Board Training Opportunities
Nelson updated the Board on upcoming training opportunities.

Legislative Update
Taylor provided a legislative update outlining several bills being considered, including one which would provide flexibility on the number of school days required while maintaining the current hours of instruction.

Student Council Report
Elizabeth Litviak reported that the Student Council met and six high school staff members have been appointed as advisors.  The Student Council split into three committees:  fundraising, social, and school improvement.  Ideas for possible future events in each of the three categories were provided.

Brenda Jennings, AODA Coordinator, reported that a memorial for the four students who died last January will be finalized.  The Student Council also held a “Caps for Cause” event and a dance. 

District Goals – Initial Planning
Benson reported information from a two-day conference that the administration team attended in August.  The focus of the conference was how to best create effective schools.  As part of the conference follow-up with administration and district initiatives, the district is attempting to increase staff development and training on the topic of differentiated instruction, which is one of our district goals this year.  The other primary goal is to apply educational best practice research to everything we do at River Valley.

Benson stated that a community survey is expected to be distributed in November.  Results should be available for the November or December Board meeting.  The survey will serve as a tool to provide the Board with community input on what programs and services they value the most and least in our schools.  Benson asked the Board for input on district goals.

Consent Agenda:  Checks, Invoices, Receipts – September 2005; Open Session Meeting Minutes – August 9 and September 8, 2005
Pitts moved to approve the consent agenda items as submitted.  Caraway seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolution for Sale of Arena School Forest #2, Government Lot 3, Section 9, Town 8 North, Range 5 East, to the Department of Natural Resources
Pronold moved to approve the Resolution for the Sale of the Arena School Forest #2.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolution Accepting Gifts
Taylor moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a $431.80 donation from Todd Miller to the Music Department.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Pitts moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a $600 donation from the Spring Green Arts and Craft Fair to the High School Music Department.  Peach seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Peach moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a $750 donation from the Spring Green Arts and Craft Fair to the High School Jazz Band.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Taylor moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a $400 donation from the Spring Green Arts and Craft Fair to the Elementary Music Department.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Peach moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a $118 donation from the Alumni Soccer Game to be used for soccer field improvements.  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 $4,000 for a soccer scoreboard and concession stand.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Pitts moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of four engines with a value of $800 from MATC-Madison to the Tech Ed Department.  Pronold seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Budget Committee Recommendations.  Caraway moved to adopt the Budget Committee’s recommendation to transfer funds in the amount of $54,977, available as a result of support staff changes, to the district’s heating budget.  Taylor seconded.  Benson mentioned that there was a potential for additional expenditures in the special education department due to changes in student population and the possible need to add a teacher assistant position later in the school year.  Motion carried. 

Consideration & Action on the Resolution Providing for the Tax Levy and Budget Change for the Year 2005
Taylor moved to adopt the Resolution Providing for the Tax Levy of $6,078,237 and Budget Change for 2005.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Peach moved to adjourn to closed session at 8:30 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 Special Education Costs Associated With One Open Enrollment Applicant.  Caraway seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

The Board reconvened in open session at 9:12 p.m.

Peach moved to approve special education costs related to one open enrollment student attending another district at an estimated amount of $15,000.  Caraway seconded.  Motion carried.

Pronold moved to adjourn at 9:13 p.m.  Peach seconded.  Motion carried.

 Submitted by Julie Kuhse For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk

03/10/08 pw