RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Regular Meeting
Middle School Library
7:00 p.m.              

Board: Nelson, Ferguson, Cates, Crowley, Taylor, Caraway, Peach, Lindsey Luther (Student Council Rep), Travis Kraemer (Student Council Rep)
Absent:  Pronold, Cummings
Admin: Benson, Hoffman, Radtke
Others:  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.  Peach moved to proceed with the legal meeting.  Cates seconded.  Motion carried.

Legislative Update
Taylor noted that a bill for federal education funding is expected to be signed by President Bush for key education programs such as Title I, teacher quality state grants, special education, Head Start, vocational education, nutrition and after school programs.

Board Training Opportunities
There is a WASB “Effective Bargaining” seminar in Madison on February 29 and in Wausau on March 7.

Student Council Report
Student Council representatives, Travis Kraemer and Lindsey Luther, provided an update on several student council projects:  the penny war fundraiser proceeds were given to the food pantry; the data match activity will take place in February; there will be a Snowball Dance on January 26; and the student council will tour the state capital on February 6.

Charter School Possibilities and Related Timeline
Benson noted that there has not been a lot of activity with this issue but we will gather input from staff and home school parents for ideas for charter grant possibilities.  There is a grant writing workshop at the end of February that we may be attending. 

High School Music Department Trip
The Music Department shared the itinerary for their annual trip during Spring Break.  They will be traveling to Chicago, Cleveland, Washington D.C., and Indianapolis.

February Board Meeting Date
Due to conflicts with several events happening in the River Valley area on Thursday, February 14, the February Board meeting has been changed to Monday, February 11.

Public Comments/Open Forum
No discussion.

Consent Agenda:  Checks, Invoices, Receipts – December 2007; Open Session Meeting Minutes – December 10, 2007
Taylor moved to approve the consent agenda items as submitted.  Peach seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Second Reading of New and Revised Policies
Crowley moved to approve the second 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.  Taylor seconded.  Motion carried.

Peach moved to approve the second 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.  Cates seconded.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolution Accepting Teacher Resignation
Ferguson moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Teacher Resignation of Ryan Evans, High School Choral Teacher.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action on Resolutions Accepting Gifts
Cates moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $350 for a French horn from Carol Yttri.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Crowley moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $2,500 for a French horn from the River Valley Alumi Band.  Ferguson seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Peach moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of $500 to Fund 21 for needy students and their families from Christ Lutheran Church Women.  Taylor seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Ferguson moved to adopt the Resolution Accepting Gifts of a 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse valued at $200 from Brian and Sara Ringelstetter to the high school tech. ed. department.  Peach seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Consideration & Action to Adjourn to Closed Session Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(f) for Discussion of Employee Complaint and 19.85(1)(c) for Discussion of Employee Evaluation and Annual Superintendent Evaluation
Crowley moved to adjourn to closed session at 7:25 p.m. pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(f) for Discussion of Employee Complaint and 19.85(1)(c) for Discussion of Employee Evaluation and Annual Superintendent Evaluation.  Cates seconded.  Polled vote was 7-0 in the affirmative with 2 absent.  Motion carried.

Submitted by Paula Wedige For Deborah Nelson, School District Clerk

02/12/08 pw