2009 Board Minutes

January 12, 2009

January 26, 2009

February 9, 2009

February 23, 2009

March 09, 2009

March 23, 2009

April 14, 2009

April 27, 2009

May 11, 2009

May 26, 2009

June 8, 2009

June 22, 2009

July 2, 2009

July 13, 2009

August 10, 2009

August 24, 2009

September 14, 2009

September 28, 2009

October 12, 2009

October 26, 2009

November 9, 2009

November 23, 2009

December 14, 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 14, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 14th of December, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent: none.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Assistant High School Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of November 9, 2009 and November 23, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). Motion carried.

             The cash report for the month of November, 2009 showed receipts of $4,404,573.24 and disbursements of $2,063,089.44, leaving a balance of $10,191,810.78.  The General Fund had receipts of $2,384,398.47, and disbursements of $1,589,965.00, leaving a balance of $4,867,912.49.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $901,403.70, and disbursements of $87,198.41, leaving a balance of $2,052,258.46.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $514,510.07 and disbursements $263,158.55, leaving a balance of $613,171.38.  Pension Fund had receipts of $90,105.62 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $175,932.85.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $513,429.49 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $743,299.83.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $725.89 and disbursements of $122,767.48, leaving a balance of $1,739,235.77.

             The November, 2009 payroll totaled $1,270,771.03, of which $628,716.19 was instructional, $355,696.13 was support services, $33,581.21 was co-curricular, and $188,253.88 was Special Education, and $64,523.62 was Food Service. 

    Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of November, 2009.  Motion carried.

 Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reviewed immunization deficiency letters that have been recently mailed.  A drawing of the new Career Academy was presented.  The High School will soon be beginning the registration process for this new facility which is slated to open for the 2010-11 school year. 

An updated Bus Driver Employment Application and Bus Driver Job Description were made available for Board members to review. 

Pappone reminded the board that the 2010 Geography Bee is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13th at the Middle School Media Center at 8 a.m.  He is looking for a volunteer Board member to read questions at this event.              Lastly, Pappone shared the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) monthly report.  The main topic included Governor Rounds recent budget report, where he is proposing a freeze on the per pupil amount for the coming year.   At the current rate of increase, a $57/student increase that would be realized for 2010-11 would be held to $0/student with Rounds’ recent proposal.   Pappone believes this will be an interesting Legislative session with this and other changes being presented.  As in years past, the board will be trying to find a date to invite our three legislators for a breakfast meeting before the legislative session starts to review upcoming legislative issues. 

Tanya Czepull, District Curriculum Director, addressed the Board regarding Curriculum teams.  A suggestion had been made to add parents to our Curriculum Committee.  Czepull reported that she has secured parent volunteers from the High School and Middle School, and is waiting to hear back from an Elementary volunteer.

 The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:   
                    KGER                               Facility Use Policy
                    KGERE                             Facility User Agreement
                    KGERE (Attachment)       Certificate of Liability Insurance Sample
 

Board Member Gregg Ode began discussion on the request to accept the bid for two buses for $205,491.00 - $25,000 above the budget of $180,000.00.  Ode was aware that the school district had applied for a grant and wanted to know if that grant money, if received, would absorb this difference?  Pappone stated that if this grant money was received, it would account for 25% of the cost of the purchase of these buses, which in Pappone’s estimation would be approximately $50,000.00, which would then put us under the $180,000.00 budget for the bus purchases.  According to Pappone, the upgrades (five buses) to the emission controls that are also requested would be 100% financed by this same grant, should that be approved.  Board member Todd Egge also inquired as to why only one bid was received.  Operations Manager, Todd Williams stated that bid requests were sent to three different vendors, but only one bidder responded.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to accept the lone bid from Trucks of Bismarck for two school buses for a total of $205,491.00.  Motion carried. 

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve  addendum #1 with East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) for Physical Therapy Services for a change in days from 223 to 224 and the rate for these agreed upon services from a total of $102,793.00 to a total of $103,293.00
            2.     
Approve addendum #1 with East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) for Occupational Therapy Services for a change in days from 254 to 256 days and the rate for these agreed upon services from a total of $103,405.00 to $104,405.00.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve the following personnel items:
            1.     
Recommend the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:  Diane Schroeder, Sarah Anderson, Kimberly House, and Justin Hinks.

2.      Recommendation to hire Tony Kuck, BVHS Custodian, $11.25/hour with .50 cent/hour night differential, effective December 28, 2009.

3.      Approve resignation/retirement of Anita Shearer, BE/VSE Librarian, effective at the end of the 2009-10 school year.

4.      Approve request for unpaid time off from Sonja Schmeling from February 4-12, 2010.

Motion carried. 

            The following personnel item was reviewed by the Board of Education for information only:
            1.  Maternity leave request from Andrea Pudwill to begin on or about December 23, 2009 for 6 weeks.
 

            Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
November 2009 Building Permits.
            2.     
Thank you from Terri Whipkey and family for the plant sent in memory of Terri’s mom, Deanne Lee.
            3.     
Thank you for the Brandon Valley Hardwood Challenge Committee for making their event a success for Brandon Valley 8th and 9th grade students.

             Board of Education Committee Reports were heard.  Buildings & Grounds – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on the High School Art Room remodel.  With just a few items left on a “punch list”, this will conclude all items on the $23M bond issue construction. 

            City Affairs & Legislation – Ullom stated that a Legislative breakfast will be set up in the near future. 

            Child Nutrition/Wellness – Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 17th at 12 noon. 

            Travel reports were reviewed. 

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 6:56 p.m.  Motion carried. 

The Board of Education held a work session following the regular meeting to review and discuss School Improvement Plans from Valley Springs Elementary, Robert Bennis Elementary, and Brandon Valley High School.  These plans were presented by the building principals.
                                       
                                        Signed ______________________________
                                                               
Business Manager

                                       
Approved by the Board of Education this 11th day of January, 2010.            

                                        Signed_______________________________
                                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

November 23, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 23rd of November, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ode seconded by Egge to go into Executive Session at 6:32 p.m. for a grievance hearing.

         The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open Session at 7:35 p.m.   Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to deny the grievance addressed in executive session based on the fact that there was no substantial change from previous practice.  On a roll call vote, voting aye:  Ullom, Rasmussen, Egge, Ode, and Bender; nay:  none.  Motion carried. 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve Public School Exemption #10-88.
            2.     
Approve Memorandum of Agreement with Minnehaha County to permit the Brandon Valley School District to build a sidewalk along the east side of Six Mile Road as presented.
            3.     
Approve Middle School Improvement Plan for submission to the South Dakota State Department of Education as presented.
            4.     
Approve change order #1 dated November 11, 2009, for the Brandon Valley High School Office and Art Room Remodel: +$2,559.00.
            5.     
Approve Administration to submit a grant application for the State of South Dakota Clean Diesel Program which would pay 25% of the cost of two new buses.
Motion carried.
 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the following personnel items:
            1.      Resignation from Carolyn Bill, Transportation-Bus Driver, effective immediately.

            2.      Recommendation to approve the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:
                  Siobhan Brunning
                  Lance Schoenwald
                  Roy C. Weber
                  Kate McKenna
                  Carole Bosch
                  Joe Thronson

3.  Authorize an additional Special Education Educational Assistant position for the 2009-10 school year.
Motion carried.

         The following personnel item was reviewed by the Board of Education for information only:
          1.  Maternity leave request from Sue Dekker to begin on or about January 27th through April 23rd, 2010.
 

          Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
          1.     
Thank you from Andy Johnson and family for the plant sent in memory of his father.
          2.     
Thank you from Rose Mary Christenson for the plant sent in memory of her mother. 

        Board reports were heard.  Transportation – Egge reported on the Clean Diesel Grant that the District will be completing.  This grant closes on December 4, 2009. 

        Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported that the High School Art Room remodel is on-going and nearing completion.  He also reported that there will be a final walk-through for the High School Art Room scheduled for December 4, 2009.  

        City Affairs & Legislation – Renee Ullom reported that she recently attended that delegate assembly in Pierre.  There she also met with gubernatorial candidates as well.  

        Child Nutrition & Wellness – The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2009. 

Safety – Renee Ullom encouraged all to complete the School Reach survey that can be found on the school district web-site.

        Travel Reports were reviewed. 

        Motion by Ode seconded by Rasmussen to go into Executive Session at 7:41 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. 

        The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open Session at 7:42 p.m.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to uphold the Administrative ruling on the personnel matter discussed in executive session based on past practice.  On a roll call vote, voting aye:  Rasmussen, Ullom, Egge, Ode and Bender; nay:  none.  Motion carried. 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:44 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                Signed _________________________________
                                                       
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of December 2009.

                                Signed__________________________________
                                                        Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

November 9, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 9th of November, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent: none.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Assistant High School Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Rasmussen seconded by Ullom to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of October 12, 2009 and October 26, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

            Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). Motion carried.

            The cash report for the month of October, 2009 showed receipts of $2,051,379.26 and disbursements of $2,076,384.25, leaving a balance of $7,850,326.98.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,328,219.61, and disbursements of $1,555,888.44, leaving a balance of $4,073,479.02.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $150,196.23, and disbursements of $160,057.36, leaving a balance of $1,238,053.17.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $431,011.71 and disbursements $250,946.08, leaving a balance of $361,819.86.  Pension Fund had receipts of $14,358.90 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $85,827.23.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $81,799.35 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $229,870.34.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $45,793.46 and disbursements of $109,492.37, leaving a balance of $1,861,277.36.

            The October, 2009 payroll totaled $1,206,010.20, of which $622,379.81 was instructional, $318,376.31 was support services, $35,700.83 was co-curricular, and $175,419.94 was Special Education, and $54,133.31 was Food Service.

            Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of October, 2009.  Motion carried.

 Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone continues to track attendance daily by building and reporting to the State of South Dakota Department of Health and Department of Education.    Absences due to illness district-wide for the last few weeks were at a high of 9.54% two weeks ago, decreased to 4.29%, and now this last week was at 2.18%, which is a much-improved level.  Pappone also has been in contact with Minnehaha County regarding vaccination clinics.  He learned that there is a limited supply of H1N1 vaccines now, but they do anticipate that the supply will increase. Vaccination Clinics have been scheduled at the Fairgrounds and are open to anyone in Minnehaha County to Tier 1 and Tier 2 (which includes school-aged students).   A vaccination clinic is still scheduled in Brandon, but no date is available at this time; it is likely to be at the end of November. 

Pappone also reported that in General Business this evening the Board will be looking at a contract with Stockwell Engineers regarding the sidewalk construction at Fred Assam Elementary.  Pappone has spoken with the County Attorney to get a written agreement between Minnehaha County and the Brandon Valley School District to be able to provide this sidewalk; Gordy Swanson will be putting together that document.  Pappone believes the District has satisfied all conditions associated with the motion to construct this sidewalk, and we are now ready to move forward on the sidewalk construction.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve Title I, Part A Program Comparability Assurances report for the Brandon Valley School District.
            2.     
Approve Public School Exemptions:  #10-49, and 10-87.
            3.     
Approve letter of agreement between Center for Disabilities, The USD Sanford School of Medicine for Dietetic Internship and the Brandon Valley School District commencing on 11/01/2009.
            4.     
Approve American Red Cross Authorized Provider Agreement between Sioux Empire American Red Cross and Brandon Valley Schools.
            5.     
Approve Individual LEA Partnership with ESA II to apply for SD Ed Tech Grant funds through the 2010-11 school year.
            6.     
Approve recommendation to award Snow Removal Services for 2009-10 to Jeremy Scadden Construction.
            7.     
Approve intent to participate in the East Dakota Educational Cooperative for the 2010-11 school year.
            8.     
Approve agreement with Stockwell Engineers for the preparation of plans and specifications for approximately 300 feet of sidewalk at Fred Assam Elementary School.
            9.     
Approve bid preparation authorization for two new busses and purchase of the following vehicles off of the State of South Dakota bid contracts: 2010 Suburban-$32,068; 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan-$20,116.
Motion carried.

            Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve the following personnel items:

            1.     
Recommend the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:  Jamie Hagemeyer, Angela Klaassen, Jennifer Montag, Jeffrey Wilkes, Marie LaRock, Sandra Klatt, and Shane DeBoer.

2.      Retirement from Helen Jacobson from her custodial position.  She will continue as a full-time bus driver.

3.      Approve Cindy Whitney, Child Nutrition Substitute, $8.50/hour.

4.      Approve Mark A. Pederson, Custodial Substitute, $8.50/hour.

5.      Approve request to add 1.5 bus routes for the 2009-10 school year.

Motion carried.

             The following personnel item was reviewed by the Board of Education for information only:
            1.  Maternity leave request from Stacia Ericsson to begin on or about February 28, 2010, for 8 weeks.

             Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
October 2009 Building Permits.
            2.     
Thank you from Scott Giles and family for the plant sent for the birth of new son, Easton.
            3.     
Thank you from Monique Booth for the flowers sent for her speedy recovery.

            Board of Education Committee Reports were heard. Transportation – A meeting was held on November 5th to review the request that was approved at tonight’s meeting to purchase two vehicles and two busses.  These vehicles were budgeted for this year.

            Buildings & Grounds – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on the High School Art Room remodel.  A Building Committee meeting will be held November 10th to discuss remaining “punch-list” items on the High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center.

            Child Nutrition/Wellness – Meeting held on October 28th.  “Net-off” invoicing was discussed to save costs in the food service program.

            Safety – A meeting was held recently to continue discussion regarding the Fred Assam Elementary sidewalk.  The committee also discussed the “School-Reach” survey that is on the Brandon Valley School District web-site to update student phone numbers for the “School-Reach” program.  Pappone added that 825 (25%) students/parents have responded to the survey thus far.

            Travel reports were reviewed. 

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 6:57 p.m.  Motion carried. 

The Board of Education held a work session following the regular meeting to review and discuss School Improvement Plans from Brandon Valley Middle School, Fred Assam Elementary, and Brandon Elementary.  These plans were presented by the building principals.

                              Signed _________________________________
                                                                   
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of December, 2009.
           

                            Signed___________________________________
                                                                    Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

October 26, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 26th of October, 2009 at the Valley Springs Elementary Music Building with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Ullom to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 Valley Springs Elementary Teacher Paula Gordon presented an elementary physical education college writing project.  Based on a book study she participated in with her peers, Mrs. Gordon has been working with her students to become aware of college sports and especially college in general.  They studied the NCAA tournament, the Olympics, and conferences and divisions in college sports.  Gordon believes this project will be a constant reminder that college is important and definitely in our students’ futures.

 Superintendent David Pappone updated the board on the absence report for the week of 10/19/2009, where absences have increased to 9.54% of our total student population.  This rate has been slowly rising for 4 weeks and now has taken a sharp climb during the past two weeks of reporting.  The current week shows signs for decrease in absences of students; staff illnesses continue to be manageable.   Pappone also reported that School Improvement Plans have been submitted and available for the Board’s review on-line; these plans will be brought forward in the near future. 

          President Jean Bender discussed recent correspondence from parent Cameo Anders regarding Fred Assam Elementary school safety issues.  The issue remains the concern of students walking along Six Mile Road.  Ms. Anders recent correspondence has asked that the Board consider moving the crosswalk north to the Mystic Meadows Drive and construct a sidewalk to adjoin our property going north along the east side of Six Mile road to connect up to the crosswalk at Mystic Drive. 

           Superintendent Pappone has spoken to the adjacent homeowner of property involved in this construction and her only hesitation was snow removal.  Pappone assured her that if the School District built the sidewalk, we would take on that obligation.  She agreed, contingent upon the school maintaining the sidewalk.  The Deputy State’s Attorney for Minnehaha County, Gordy Swanson, told Pappone that the county would approve our request for a sidewalk.  The School District attorney did advise Pappone that as a School District, we have no legal obligation to build this sidewalk, however, if we do construct the sidewalk, we would have the same liability on that sidewalk that we have on the rest of our property’s sidewalks district-wide.  Although Pappone believes this will set precedence, it is a unique situation that will not likely arise at any other school location.

           Superintendent Pappone’s recommendation is to move the crosswalk north to the Mystic Meadows Drive and construct a sidewalk on the east side of Six Mile Road to provide a pathway to Fred Assam Elementary.   Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to provide a walk path on the east side of Six Mile Road (approximately 300 feet) from the current crosswalk to Mystic Drive, based on the following conditions:
            1.                 
Minnehaha County confirms this location is acceptable and this location maintains/increases current safety levels;
            2.                 
Landowner to the north approves the walk path where it crosses their property;
            3.                 
Minnehaha County and the city of Sioux Falls provides crosswalk flashers;
            4.                 
The sidewalk is built per the city of Sioux Falls specifications;
            5.                 
Ms. Cameo Anders recognizes in writing that the Brandon Valley School District has no obligation to provide walk paths to and throughout the Pine Lake Hills Development. 
On a roll call vote, the following voted Aye:  Rasmussen, Ullom, Egge, Ode, and Bender.  Nay: none.   Motion carried.

  
 
          Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to appoint Renee Ullom as delegate to represent the Brandon Valley School District at the Associated School Boards of South Dakota delegate assembly.  Motion carried. 

          Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve agreement with South Dakota State University concerning supervised Early Childhood Education student teaching program.
           
2.      Approve addendum to Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Head Start Pre-Birth to Five contract.
Motion carried.
 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
            1.      Resignation from Amy Forster, Brandon Elementary Special Education Educational Assistant, effective 10/22/2009.
            2.     
Recommendation to hire Angie Wrightsman, Brandon Elementary Special Education Educational Assistant, 16 hours/week, $10.75/hour.
            3.     
Recommendation to approve the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:
                     Kimberly Shelton
                     Hallie Glover
                     Krista Halseth
                    Ardis Moeller
                    Michele Zoellner
                    Katie Knock
                    Alan Berdahl
                    Pamela Hoffman
                    Andrew Schneider
                    Erin Strange
                    Angie Wrightsman

4.      Recommendation to hire Linda Ottoson, Child Nutrition Substitute, $8.50/hour.
5.      Recommendation to hire Shannon Hansen, Brandon Valley High School Child Nutrition Cook, $10.00/hour, effective October 19, 2009.
6.     
Recommendation for termination of Shari Mohlenkamp, Fred Assam Elementary Child Nutrition.
7.     
Recommendation to transfer Kim Bly from Brandon Valley High School Child Nutrition to Fred Assam Elementary Head Cook, effective October 15, 2009.
Motion carried.
 

          Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
Thank you from Jessica, Ryan, Addison and Cora Hunsaid for the plant sent after the birth of Cora.
            2.     
Thank you from Ivan Else family for the expression of sympathy.
            3.     
Thank you from the Valley Springs Elementary staff for the opportunity to get the flu shots at work.
            4.     
Thank you from Steve Jastram for the flowers sent for the passing of his father.
            5.     
Thank you from Sandy Cummings and Merle Horst for providing the seasonal flu shots. 

        Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Todd Egge reported on the East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) meeting that he attended on 10/21/2009. 

         Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported that the High School Art Room remodel will be on-going through November, 2009.  Jean Bender thanked all those that came to the High School Classroom addition and Activity Center Open House/Ribbon Cutting last week. 

        Child Nutrition & Wellness – Jay Rasmussen reported they will be having a meeting on 10/28/2009. 

        Travel Reports were reviewed.

        Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 p.m.   Motion carried.

                   Signed _______________________________
                                               
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of November 2009.
                            Signed________________________________
                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

October 12, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 12th of October, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, and Todd Egge.  Absent: Renee Ullom.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Assistant Business Manager James Schobert, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ode seconded by Rasmussen to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of September 14, 2009 and September 28, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). Motion carried.

         The cash report for the month of September, 2009 showed receipts of $1,667,728.16 and disbursements of $2,442,727.68, leaving a balance of $7,875,331.97.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,501,276.47, and disbursements of $1,533,613.21, leaving a balance of $4,301,147.85.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $12,130.01, and disbursements of $264,411.21, leaving a balance of $1,247,914.30.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $141,488.42 and disbursements $244,338.37, leaving a balance of $181,754.23.  Pension Fund had receipts of $1,213.09 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $71,468.33.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $6,603.68 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $148,070.99.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $5,016.49 and disbursements of $400,364.89, leaving a balance of $1,924,976.27.

        The September, 2009 payroll totaled $1,136,998.42, of which $558,877.22 was instructional, $345,596.25 was support services, $31,846.31 was co-curricular, and $154,824.63 was Special Education, and $45,854.01 was Food Service.

         Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of September, 2009.  Motion carried.

 Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported that our present enrollment as of September 25, 2009 is 3,274.7 students, which is an increase of 130.7 students from last year at this time, with the largest increase in the Kindergarten class. The School District budgeted for an 85 student increase.  Pappone also reviewed the current attendance report.  Pappone is tracking attendance daily by building and reporting to the State of South Dakota Department of Health and Department of Education.  There has been a steady increase in absences, but not an overly worrisome level.  Absences due to illness district-wide for the last week was 2.97%.

         Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson recognized the Brandon Valley High School Special Education instructors on achieving 100% compliance with transitioned students, which is remarkable for a school district our size.  Heidenson also reported that Early Childhood screening was held September 24, 2009, with a large number of children screened.  Heidenson compared Early Childhood numbers to that of our current Kindergarten classes, where numbers are also increasing.  So far, 39 students are enrolled in the BV Early Childhood program.  Heidenson reported that, at this time, no additional staff is necessary.

             Superintendent Pappone announced that there will be a Ribbon Cutting/Open House for the High School Addition and Activity Center on Friday, October 16, 2009 from 6-7:30 p.m. before the home football game.  Official ribbon cutting will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the new classroom addition.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the lone quote received from Peska Construction to replace the entrance mat area at the east entrance at the High School - $2,950.00.

           Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following personnel item:
          1.     
Recommend the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:  Nikki Pals, Sara Sorensen, Monica Williams.

2.      Recommendation to hire the following transportation substitute:  Dale T. Horan

3.      Recommendation to hire Nick Sittig, Assistant Marching Band Director, 10% of BA Step 3, pro-rated to 2/3 contract, $2,245.00.

4.      Recommendation to hire Kim Krueger, Co-Head Winter Sideline Cheer Coach, 4% of BA Step 2, $1,335.00.  Motion carried.

          The following personnel item was reviewed by the Board of Education for information only:
          1.  Maternity leave request from Katie Jurgensen to begin on or about February 20, 2010, for 10 weeks.

           Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
          1.     
September 2009 Building Permits.
          2.     
Thank you from Juanita Robshaw for the flowers sent during her hospitalization.
          3.     
Thank you from Dan Pansch for supporting employee flu vaccinations.

         Board of Education Committee Reports were heard.  Buildings & Grounds – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on the High School Office remodel.  The HS staff has transferred to their newly remodeled offices and the former HS office, which will become the “new” HS Art Room, is now in demolition phase.

         Travel reports were reviewed.

         Motion by Egge seconded by Rasmussen to go into Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. to discuss a personnel action appeal.

         The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 7:43 p.m.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to uphold Superintendent Pappone’s decision to affirm the transfer of Shari Mohlencamp to Fred Assam Elementary by the Child Nutrition Director.  On a roll call vote, voting aye:  Bender, Rasmussen, Ode, and Egge; nay:  none.  Motion carried.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m.  Motion carried.

                               
Signed __________________________________
                                                   
Assistant Business Manager 

Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of November, 2009.
               
                                Signed___________________________________
                                                   Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

September 28, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 28th of September, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, and Operations Manager Todd Williams. 

President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried. 

District staff members of the Auditory/Oral Department were introduced and presented information about this new program being offered through the Brandon Valley School District at Fred Assam Elementary.  Staff member presenters included Erin O’Neill, Julie Brown, and Ellyn Hays. 

Superintendent Pappone reviewed All-Day Kindergarten test score results from the 2008-09 school year.  Results show similar testing results between the half versus whole day students completing first grade.  Those students on free or reduced lunch in the all-day class did test higher; however, Pappone did stress that the numbers of all day kindergarten students is small and can skew the results.  He also updated the board on the absence report for the week of 9/21/2009, where absences are 1.94% of our total student population.  Lastly, Pappone reviewed the new Career Academy course offerings for the 2010-11 school year, including classes in Media Production; Heath Science; Architecture & Construction; Hospitality & Tourism; Science, Technology, Engineering & Math; Transportation, Distribution & Logistics; Manufacturing; and Human Services. 

The following Board Policies were given a second reading by the Board of Education:
                JE          Compulsory Student Attendance       
                JEAA      Students Alternative Instruction
Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve these policies as presented.  Motion carried.
 

          Superintendent Pappone reviewed the recent meeting held at Fred Assam Elementary regarding school safety issues.   Attendees included Pappone, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, and Safety Committee representative Gregg Ode, along with representatives from the Minnehaha County road department, two Minnehaha County Commissioners, the Minnehaha County Executive Assistant, two city of Sioux Falls engineers, law enforcement from the cities of Sioux Falls and Brandon, a representative from the Minnehaha County Sherriff’s department, and parents Jan Lee and Cameo Anders.
           The issue remains the concern of students walking along Six Mile Road.  Discussion was held regarding moving the cross walk north from its current location to the Mystic Meadows south entrance.   This would require the construction of a sidewalk (approximately 200 feet).  Then the discussion centered on who would be responsible for constructing this sidewalk.  Minnehaha County doesn’t build sidewalks and has no power to assess a landowner to build this sidewalk; the city of Sioux Falls is not interested in building this sidewalk because it is not in the city limits.
          At the beginning of these discussions, the Brandon Valley School District agreed to participate in the purchase of crosswalk lights.  At this last meeting, Commissioner Twedt asked that since the Minnehaha County does not construct sidewalks, if they would put up the crosswalk lights, could the Brandon Valley School District be responsible for the sidewalk cost?  Pappone said this is new ground for the School District, since we have not built sidewalks before; however, with no one to assess, Pappone said it seems there should be a public entity that should step up to provide the sidewalk to provide this safe alternative for students that live in Pine Lake Hills and Mystic Meadows.  A preliminary sidewalk cost estimate of $12,678 was provided by Stockwell Engineers, Inc.  Pappone also provided a cost to the landowners of Pine Lake Hills and/or Mystic Meadows to construct a walking path of their own along the west side of Six Mile Road, and the parents are considering taking this cost to their Association Board. Pappone feels that this will be a one-time situation, since future buildings will be within the City of Brandon or the City of Sioux Falls.  Pappone asked the Board of Education for their input.
         Ode asked if the city of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County have finalized their offer to provide the flashing lights.  Pappone said nothing is “finalized.”  President Bender asked about our right of ways of building on County property.  Pappone stated that we would be building a sidewalk on a County right-of-way – the county has an easement – and the county would allow us to build on this site.  Bender then asked about the maintenance of the sidewalk.  Pappone is assuming that the School District will be responsible for that maintenance.  Road improvements scheduled on this section of the road are projected at least 5 years out (according to the Public Works Department of the city of Sioux Falls), which would be paid for by the city of Sioux Falls and would include sidewalks.  Jay Rasmussen asked who maintains the sidewalks in front of Robert Bennis Elementary and the Middle School?  Both are maintained by the city of Brandon.  Bender asked if the new sidewalk would connect with the existing sidewalk and Pappone believes it would. 
          Ode asked if we are setting a precedent regarding this matter, and will other schools and parents be asking for similar safety upgrades?  Pappone believes this is a unique situation because it is a county road versus being within city limits (either Brandon or Valley Springs) where there are landowners to assess if a sidewalk is needed.  Rasmussen stated that the development would have the ability to assess residents in that development.  Pappone didn’t think the development could assess landowners to build a sidewalk in their development.  Pappone did assure the Board of Education that the Association is discussing the possibility of using some of their street funds to build a walking path on the west side of Six Mile Road and that would be their contribution to this solution.   Rasmussen would like to see Pine Lake Hills and Mystic Meadows commit to sidewalks on the west side of Six Mile Road before the county agrees to the purchase of the lights and the school agrees to complete the sidewalk on the east side of Six Mile Road.  Rasmussen feels these walkways on both sides of Six Mile Road should be comparable. He stated that there are parts of our community that don’t have sidewalks to our schools and that would be a similar situation to Pine Lake Hills getting from the north entrance down to the street crossing, which would be similar to a lot of places in Brandon and Valley Springs.  Therefore, since they have elected to live in the part of Minnehaha County where they do not have city taxes, but the rest of us pay city taxes, we pay for those side walks.  They have elected to live outside the city limits and they are not assessed those fees, so Rasmussen would feel more comfortable if they took care of their sidewalks from the north entrance of Pine Lake Hills down to where students would be crossing.  Rasmussen feels that if the city of Sioux Falls pays for one of the crosswalk lights, Minnehaha County pays for the other crosswalk light, and the Brandon Valley School District completes the sidewalk that this is a good compromise.  Todd Egge agreed with Rasmussen that the Pine Lake Hills/Mystic Meadows landowners should step up and provide sidewalks on the west side of Six Mile Road. 
          Renee Ullom discussed what she believes is not a “numbers” issue, but what is the responsibility of the Brandon Valley School District for the safety of the students.  She feels the crosswalk and the sidewalk on the east side of Six Mile Road are what we need to be responsible for.  She doesn’t really care what the landowners decide to do on the west side.  She feels that the sidewalk cost, along with the crosswalk lights that Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls are offering, is a fair solution for this safety issue.  Rasmussen stated that based on that rationale, we currently have safe passage at that location.  We are offering more than what we need to, so to keep both sides of Six Mile Road safe, Rasmussen believes having landowners pay for the cost of a sidewalk on the west side is the safest and most fair solution.  Pappone agreed with Rasmussen that, by policy definition, the School District is offering “safe passage”, however, if you go out and witness the traffic during a school day, he feels most of us would not consider this “safe.”  Pappone also agrees that it would be best for the landowners to provide the sidewalk on the west side of Six Mile Road, but even if that doesn’t happen, the City of Sioux Falls, the Minnehaha County, and the Brandon Valley School District have provided students with a safe way to get to school with this option.  If they want to shorten this, the landowners can construct this path, otherwise the students can walk through the neighborhood.  Pappone feels that is a decision their Association(s) will have to make; however, we can solve immediate safety issues by agreeing to construct the sidewalk on the east side of Six Mile Road.  
 

        Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve administrative recommendations regarding Open Enrollments as follows: approve #10-164, 10-165, and 10-166.
            2.     
Approve Public School Exemptions as follows: #10-09 and 10-28A.
Motion carried.
 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
            1.      Resignation from Angie Wrightsman, BV Middle School Special Education Educational Assistant effective immediately.
            2.     
Resignation from Nedd Brown, BV High School Science Teacher, effective 10/30/2009, or when a replacement is hired, with liquidated damages of $1,500.
            3.     
Recommendation to approve the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:
                  Miranda Bolen
                  Jerry Gladis
                  Jed Huisman
                  Jennifer Huisman
                  Deb McCoy
                  Steven Spaniol
                  Jenifer Williams   
                  Nicole Christie Durflinger

4.      Recommendation to hire Gregory Dougherty, Child Nutrition Substitute, $8.50/hour.

5.      Recommendation to hire Melissa Mammenga, Fred Assam Elementary/Brandon Elementary, Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective September 16, 2009.

6.      Recommendation to hire the following substitute bus driver:  Allen Brown.

Motion carried. 

          Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
Thank you from Randy Gibbons and the Ronald Gibbons family for prayers, concern, and gifts of love as they were greatly appreciated after his father, Ron Gibbons, passed away.
            2.     
Thank you from Georgia Carlson for the flowers wishing her a speedy recovery.
            3.     
Thank you from Judy Tschetter and family for the plant sent in memory of her father, Russ Miller.
            4.     
Thank you from Jim and Kris Schobert and family for the plant given in honor of his father, Charles Schobert.
            5
.      Request from Jessica Hunsaid for maternity leave on or about October 24 to December 21, 2009. 

          Board reports were heard.  Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported that the High School Office has moved into their new space and the Art Room remodel will be on-going through November, 2009.  Ribbon cutting for the new High School Classroom addition, remodel, and Activities Center is scheduled for October 16, 2009, before that evening’s football game. 

         City Affairs & Legislation – Renee Ullom reported on a breakfast meeting she attended on September 16th.  They toured the Siouxland Library new addition and learned what they do for our communities.   

         Child Nutrition & Wellness – Jay Rasmussen reported that the Administration and staff continue to keep them updated on the status of H1N1 and other illnesses entering our schools.     

         Travel Reports were reviewed. 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m.   Motion carried.

                            Signed __________________________________
                                                   
Business Manager 

Approved by the Board of Education this 12th day of October 2009.
       

                   Signed____________________________________                                                            
                                                    Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

September 14, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 14th of September, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent: none.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Assistant High Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, and Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ullom seconded by Ode to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of August 10, 2009 and August 24, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). Motion carried. 

            The cash report for the month of August, 2009 showed receipts of $1,010,367.30 and disbursements of $3,842,670.73, leaving a balance of $8,650,331.49.  The General Fund had receipts of $900,583.27, and disbursements of $1,787,144.80, leaving a balance of $4,333,484.59.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $8,211.42, and disbursements of $521,390.10, leaving a balance of $1,500,195.50.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $89,645.74 and disbursements $612,499.00, leaving a balance of $284,604.18.  Pension Fund had receipts of $821.23 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $70,255.24.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $4,725.91 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $141,467.31.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $6,379.73 and disbursements of $921,636.83, leaving a balance of $2,320,324.67.

             The August, 2009 payroll totaled $966,916.91, of which $459,827.48 was instructional, $374,732.53 was support services, $28,095.82 was co-curricular, and $98,078.55 was Special Education, and $6,182.53 was Food Service.

                 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of August, 2009.  Motion carried. 

Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent Pappone gave an H1N1 Virus update.  Pappone is tracking attendance daily by building and reporting to the State of South Dakota Department of Health and Department of Education.  Last week showed 2% absenteeism (which is typical at Brandon Valley).  H1N1 and Seasonal Vaccination Clinics will be held at the school; however dates are not yet set.  H1N1 vaccines and supplies will be provided by the Federal Government.  Seasonal flu vaccines will be provided by the State of South Dakota.  Supplies for the seasonal flu vaccines will be provided by the School District.

             High School Principal Gregg Talcott reported on service projects that are underway at the High School.  In 1999, the HELP!Line Center developed SALSA, the Serve & Learn Student Association, as a way to connect youth with opportunities to serve. It also allows teens to create and carry out meaningful service projects that meet community needs and inspire youth to get involved.  At last week’s meeting we had the largest turnout ever and actually ran out of service projects as over 60 students attended a 7:15 a.m. meeting.

             Talcott also discussed this year’s homecoming service project.  The “Safety Bear Project” helps the Family Visitation Center to provide an added sense of security for children longing for someone to hold and feel safe next to.  Brandon Valley High School Students and Staff have set a goal to collect 100 Safety Bears for the Family Visitation Center this week.  If you would like to be a part of this effort, please drop off a new or slightly used bear of 12” or larger in the high school office by Thursday, September 17th at 3:00 pm.

             Lastly, Talcott reminded the Board of Education that Homecoming 2009 is being celebrated this week.  Friday will be a day filled with activities.  Each of the grades will have a separate set of events in the morning followed by an all-school assembly with speaker Rick Nielsen whose focus is being positive with one another.   Lunch will be outside followed by an all-school photo on the football field. 

             Assistant High School Principal Brad Thorson reported more on this week’s Homecoming Activities. Monday is Crazy Day; Tuesday is Grandparents’ Day; Wednesday is Character Day; Thursday is Color Day; and Friday is Spirit Day.  Friday, the school day will end with Class Olympics beginning at 1:30 in the old gym.  Coronation is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00 pm in the Performing Arts Center followed by a pep rally.   Friday, the football game will begin at 7:00 p.m. and the Athletic Booster Club will sponsor a dance for the students following the game. 

             Middle School Principal Dan Pansch thanked Jim Meyer and Target National Bank for funding the Backpack program in the amount of $12,000, which funds this program for the year.  Pansch also thanked Faye Meyer for coordinating the program.

             Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson reported that Early Childhood screening is scheduled for    September 24, 2009. 

             Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster reported that because of the concerns with Six Mile Road and the safe passage to school, there was a community meeting held at Fred Assam Elementary at 5 p.m. tonight.  Ms. Foster thanked Renee Ullom, Gregg Ode, and Mr. Pappone for being in attendance.  She also reported that representatives from the Sioux Falls Police Department, the County Sherriff’s Department, the Brandon Police Department, and the County Commissioners office, as well as the County Highway Superintendent, were all in attendance, along with approximately 30 parents.  Points that the parents discussed were uniformity between other elementary schools and school zones; volume and speed of traffic – this road being a highway and not a residential road – including appropriate signage for this area; and lastly safe route plans, including sidewalks and crosswalks.   A task force has now been formed to discuss two things; 1) What can be done in the short term to help with Six Mile Road and the safe passage to school?, and 2) What can be done in the long term to help with the road?  The first meeting of this task force will be held on Wednesday, September 16th at 3:30 p.m. at Fred Assam Elementary.   

The following board policies were given first reading by the Board of Education:
                        JEAA                 Students Alternative Instruction

                        JE                     Compulsory Student Attendance

            Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg discussed that approximately $1.5M remains from the original $23M  bond proceeds.  Lundberg believes that there are a number of factors contributing to this under-budget scenario, including economy/timing, the district’s bidding of furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and minimal change orders (approximately 1% of the total contract prices).  Lundberg’s proposal to the Brandon Valley Board of Education is to use these residual funds of $1.5M for a “cash defeasance” of a portion of the 2008 debt.   Essentially, this equates to paying off $1.5M of debt early (similar to paying off a personal mortgage early).  The Bonds that would incur a cash defeasance would be those in the year 2027 since they are paying the highest interest rate of 4.375%.  Therefore, we as a District would “save” the interest costs of these Bonds in addition to the principal pay down.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve use of residual bond funds in the amount of $1.5M for a cash defeasance of a portion of the 2008 debt and authorize the Business Manager to complete the transaction.  Motion carried.

             Superintendent Pappone discussed a mass communication service called School Reach at a cost of $7,335/per year for the basic package (based on our enrollment numbers) as recommended by the Safety Committee.  This service allows the school district to send out Mass Communications to our parents very quickly.  We can also use this system for routine announcements, such as parent-teacher conferences, or to survey our parents.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve this service which runs from October 1, 2009 through October 1, 2010.  Motion Carried.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.       
Approve agreement between SD Department of Social Services (DSS) and the Brandon Valley School District #49-2 to provide administration of Title XIX and Title XXI of the SSA, Early and Periodic Screening, and Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) provision from September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2014 as presented.
            2.       
Approve Public School Exemptions:  #10-06, 10-09, 10-11, 10-13, 10-14, 10-24, 10-46, 10-47, 10-51, 10-68, and 10-80.
            3.       
Approve the following Administrative Recommendations for open enrollments:  approve #10-159,      10-160, 10-161, and 10-162; deny #10-163 due to class size.
            4.       
Approve Change Order #2 at Fred Assam Elementary for $53,010.00.
Motion carried. 

            Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson requested an additional full-time Special Education Educational Assistant to split time to assist with students from Brandon Elementary and Fred Assam Elementary.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve this position.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the following personnel item:
                1.     
Recommend the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:
                        Stacey Bruce
                        Karen Breuer
                        Dennis Brunsting
                        JoEllen Callies
                        Tami Grieve
                        Susan Hanson
                        Derek Harberts
                        Jolyn Heidebrink
                        Dale Hieb
                        Michelle Heisel
                        Diana Hood
                        Wendy Ibberson
                        Kari Kraayenbrink
                        David Kampmann
                        Deb Karli
                        Paula Lammert
                        Donna Lease
                        Jodi Lems
                        Lori Magelky
                        Kathy Metzger
                        Laura Peschong
                        Matt Spolum
                        Erin Stange

            2.     
Recommendation to hire the following transportation substitutes:
                        Trista Christiaansen, Dirk H. Johnson, and Gerry Karpen

            3.     
Recommendation to hire Penny Hathaway, Child Nutrition Substitute, $8.50/hour.
            4.     
Resignation of Elizabeth Hubbel, BE Special Education Educational Assistant, effective immediately.
            5.     
Approve the following lane changes as requested:  
                        Jill Austin                       BA+15 to MA
                        Paul Berg                      BA to BA+15
                        Steve Boint                   MA to MA+15
                        Matt Christensen           BA+15 to MA
                        Amy DeNomme            MA to MA+15
                       
Mary Erickson                MA+15 to MA+30
                        Cindy Feyereisen          BA+15 to MA
                        Chad Garrow                BA to BA+15
                        Roxie Geerdes              MA to MA+15
                        Paula Hahn                   MA to MA+15

           
            Tanya Hohn                 BA+15 to MA
                        Teri Huska                    BA to BA+15
                        Katie Jurgensen            MA to MA+15
                        Vickie Kolb                    MA+15 to MA+30
                        Justin Lovrien               MA to MA+15
                        Robin Nipp                    BA+15 to MA
                        Brady Olson                  BA to BA+15
                        Tammy Osheim            MA+15 to MA+30
                        Peggy Reiter                 MA to MA+15
                        Molly Ring                     BA+15 to MA
                        Jeremy Risty                MA to MA+15
                        Mark Schlekeway          BA+15 to MA
                        Dan Woodle                 BA to BA+15

      6.      Recommendation to hire Jocelyn Sperlich, BE Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective September 17, 2009.
7.      Recommendation to hire Kerri L. Mell, BE Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective September 17, 2009.
8.     
Approve request for an additional part-time (16 hours/week) Special Education Educational Assistant to assist with Head Start due to increased enrollment in the program.
9.     
Recommendation to hire Amy Forster, BE Special Education Educational Assistant, 16 hours/week, $10.75/hour, effective September 15, 2009.
10. 
Recommendation to hire Constance L. Mayo, BVMS Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective September 28, 2009.
11. 
Resignation from Eddie Edmundson, Bus Driver, Effective September 14, 2009.
Motion carried.
 

            Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
                1.     
August 2009 Building Permits.
                2.     
Thank you from Coty McGuire and family for the flowers sent for the birth of their daughter, Logan.
                3.     
Thank you from Jessica and Chuck Henson for the plant sent for the birth of their daughter, Annika. 

            Board of Education Committee Reports were heard.  Transportation – Todd Egge reported that a transportation committee meeting was held last week where they discussed bussing issues in regard to the beginning of the new school year.  He reports that improvements have been and will continue to be made.

             Buildings & Grounds – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on the High School Office remodel. 

             Safety Committee – Renee Ullom reported that this committee is working to solve the traffic and safe passage issues at Fred Assam Elementary

             Travel reports were reviewed.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to go into Executive Session at 8:01 p.m. to discuss pricing strategies regarding purchase of property and to discuss recent attorney communications. 

            The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 8:27 p.m.

             Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 p.m.  Motion carried.
              

                                Signed __________________________________
                                                               
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 12th day of October, 2009.


                                Signed___________________________________
                                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

August 24, 2009

 The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 24th of August, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Middle School Assistant Principal Randy Hill, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, District Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Doug and Jan Lee spoke to the Board of Education concerning safety issues with children walking to Fred Assam Elementary from the Pine Lake Hills area.  Their feeling is that Six Mile Road has too much traffic, especially truck traffic, for students to be crossing to get to the school.  They suggested a bus to pick up the kids on their way to and from Fred Assam and avoid crossing Six Mile Road all together.  Cameo Anders wanted the Board to reconsider the Board Policy that defines “safe passage.”  She also offered her services as an attorney to do the leg work with the county to review the road for potential lane updates to create more safety for our students.  Craig Hanna also spoke regarding his concern with the speed limit on Six Mile Road; he wants flashing yellow lights added to help create a more safe crossing area. 

Superintendent Pappone reviewed District-wide enrollments.  As a District, Brandon Valley has increased 144 students.  Pappone also reviewed the Student Achievement Report from the 2008-09 school year.  District-wide, Brandon Valley ranked #2 in Math, Reading, and Science among the 13 largest districts in South Dakota.  Brandon Valley ranked #1 in graduation and attendance rates and had an ACT average score of 22.9, compared to the state average of 22.0.  Our distinguished schools for 2009 are Brandon Elementary, Robert Bennis Elementary, and Valley Springs Elementary.  Pappone and Board President Bender shared congratulations to all involved with these positive results. 

The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:
                JEAA      Students Alternative Instruction
                JE         Compulsory Student Attendance

Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
1.     
Approve administrative recommendations regarding Open Enrollments as follows: approve #10-88, 10-105, 10-106, 10-130; 10-152, 10-    153, 10-154, 10-155, 10-156, 10-157, 10-158, 10-159, 10-160; approve to rescind #10-14.
2.     
Approve Public School Exemptions as follows: #10-07, 10-09, 10-17, 10-18, 10-38, 10-40, 10-55, 10-65, 10-78, 10-79, and 10-80.
3.     
Approve Food Service contract between Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership Head Start Pre-Birth to Five and the Brandon Valley School District #49-2 for the 2009-10 school year.
4.     
Approve contract for operations between Brandon Valley School District #49-2 and Inter-Lakes Community Action Pre-Birth to Five Head Start Program for the 2009-10 school year.
5.     
Approve first amendment to the contracted services agreement among the South Dakota Board of Regents, the South Dakota School for the Deaf, and the Brandon Valley School District 49-2 to provide for the delivery of an educational program for the hearing impaired children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade using Auditory-Oral Pedagogical methods for the 2009-10 school year.
6.     
Approve low quote for the 2009-10 purchase of vehicle fuels from Midway/Volan Oil at invoice cost plus $0.045/gallon.  Motion carried.

           Lyn Heidenson reported that due to the increase of students moving into our District, which includes students with significant support needs, there is an immediate need to add an additional elementary special education educational assistant.  Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to authorize an additional elementary Special Education Educational Assistant position at Robert Bennis Elementary for the 2009-10 school year.  Motion carried.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
         
1.      Resignation from Susan Redford, BV Middle School Educational Assistant effective immediately.
          2.     
Recommendation to hire Andrea Pudwill, Assistant BV Middle School Volleyball Coach, 6% of BA Step Base - $1,966.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
          3.     
Recommendation to hire Jennifer Assam-Peterson, Robert Bennis Elementary Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
          4.     
Recommendation to hire Susan Olson, Flag Corp Advisor, 6.5% of BA Step Base - $2,130.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
          5.     
Recommendation to hire Jeff Trout, BV Middle School Football Coach, 6% of BA Step 10 - $2,189.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
          6.     
Recommendation to hire Dan Klumper, Head BV Middle School Football Coach, 6.5% of BA Step 2 - $2,170.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
          7.     
Resignation of Kristi Jaraczeski, Fred Assam Elementary part-time child nutrition, effective immediately.
          8.     
Resignation of Signe Andrashie, BV Middle School part-time child nutrition, effective immediately.
          9.     
Recommendation to approve the following substitutes for the 2009-10 school year:
                    Karel Amend
                    Kimberly Bartholomaus
                    Tanya Bethard
                    Cheryl Carlson
                    Tamara Christensen
                    Jason Clare
                    Kay Coburn
                    Joanne Colman
                    Richard Coots
                    Jessica Farley
                    Sheila Finch
                    Char Fritz
                    Jane Gullickson
                    Barbara Hansen
                    Linda Heeren
                    Armen Janjigian
                    Jeanne Jensen
                    Wendy Kessler
                    Holly King
                    Jody Lambert
                    Penny Malsom
                    Cathijo McGee
                    Jolene Murren
                    Pam Nordmeyer
                    Matthew Onnen
                    Brett Pappas
                    Sherry Paulsen
                    Gloria Perrizo
                    Margaret Quimby
                    John Rothenberger
                    Sharon Rykhus
                    Sheila Samsel
                    Jessica Simmons
                    Eileen Skyberg
                    Lonna Smith
                    Marcie Stoltenberg
                    Jennifer Swenson
                    Mary Kay Thompson
                    Jimmy Tirrel
                    David Wegner

     10.  Recommendation to hire Cheryl Buss, BV Middle School part-time child nutrition, $10.00/hour, effective August 27, 2009
11.  Recommendation to hire Darla Dykstra, Fred Assam Elementary part-time child nutrition, $10.00/hour, effective August 27, 2009.
12. 
Recommendation to hire the following substitute bus drivers:  Dirk H. Johnson, Gerry Karpen.
13. 
Recommendation to hire Marette Grage, BV Middle School Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective August 27, 2009.
14. 
Recommendation to hire Angela Wrightsman, Special Services Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective August 27, 2009.   
15. 
Resignation of Gretchen Anderson, BE Special Education Educational Assistant, effective immediately.  

Motion carried. 

    Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Todd Egge reported that he attended a recent East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) board meeting where the Fiscal Year 2010 budget was approved as well as food service rates increased for the upcoming school year.  He also reported that there has been a realignment of the South Dakota regions with a region northwest of Brandon Valley being dissolved.  For EDEC, this realignment increases their area to include more than 35% of the state of South Dakota.

     Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the Fred Assam Elementary Ribbon cutting that was held on August 13, 2009 and on the progress of current construction projects at the High School Classroom Addition and the High School Activities Center.  Lastly, he reported that the High School Offices and Art Room remodel will be on-going through November, 2009.

     Travel Reports were reviewed.

     Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to go into Executive Session at 7:27 p.m. to discuss pricing strategies regarding the purchase of property. 

    The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 8:11 p.m. 

    Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m.   Motion carried.                                   

                 Signed __________________________________
                                        Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of September, 2009.
               
                Signed____________________________________
                                        Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

August 10, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 10th of August, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom (via telephone conference call), and Todd Egge.  Absent: Jay Rasmussen.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Assistant High Principal Brad Thorson, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, District Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Egge seconded by Ode to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 13, 2009 and the Special Meeting of July 2, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

             Brandon Elementary Fifth Grade parents, represented by Luanna Olthoff, were present at tonight’s meeting to discuss elementary class sizes, specifically the fifth grade class at Brandon Elementary.  This group of parents first became concerned in June of high numbers in each fifth grade class at Brandon Elementary.  However, since June, the numbers have leveled off at 26 per classroom at Brandon Elementary with numbers becoming more equitable at the other elementary schools.  She thanked the Board of Education for allowing them to share their thoughts and concerns and asked that the Administration, along with the Board of Education, continue to monitor these numbers and keep the students in mind when decisions need to be made regarding staffing.  Superintendent Pappone commented that he agrees with Mrs. Olthoff and he will continue to monitor classroom numbers.  He also stated that as a school district we are right up against our class levels; we are not comfortable with these numbers, but we are willing to accept them for now in this period of growth. Steve Johnson also spoke to the board as a parent with four children in the Brandon Valley School District, three of them at Brandon Elementary.  He added that as parents, we get attached to our school; however he feels the challenge to the board is to leverage our assets as patrons to the District.   When staffing is moved from Brandon Elementary to Fred Assam Elementary but we allow all 5th grade students to remain at their school of choice, the District allows for this disparity.  Mr. Johnson also stated that being the largest employer in Brandon, Brandon Valley School District employees are, in a situation such as this, parents first and should be allowed to voice their concerns without feeling as though they were bucking “the system.” 

        Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). Motion carried.

         The cash report for the month of July, 2009 showed receipts of $999,343.96 and disbursements of $3,666,335.59, leaving a balance of $11,482,634.92.  The General Fund had receipts of $844,439.80, and disbursements of $1,281,652.32, leaving a balance of $5,220,046.12.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $35,677.07, and disbursements of $380,204.60, leaving a balance of $2,013,374.18.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $97,633.31 and disbursements $175,824.56, leaving a balance of $807,457.44.  Pension Fund had receipts of $1,902.74 and disbursements of $101,682.74 leaving a balance of $69,434.01.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $10,470.88 and disbursements of $556,531.25 leaving a balance of $136,741.40.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $9,220.16 and disbursements of $1,170,440.12 leaving a balance of $3,235,581.77.

         The July, 2009 payroll totaled $830,758.77, of which $456,949.98 was instructional, $239,351.56 was support services, $22,223.22 was co-curricular, and $101,770.85 was Special Education, $3,290.16 was Food Service, and $7,173.00 was Early Retirement. 

        Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of July, 2009.  Motion carried.

       
Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent Pappone reported on the following:

-                        Contact with the Center for Disease Control and the South Dakota state health department with new guidance on the H1N1 Virus.  It is particularly attacking our younger population.  We are being told to expect a large number of students out this school year with the virus.  Both the CDC and the state health department continue to stress prevention such as hand washing and covering nose and mouth, etc.  Pappone stressed that we need to be ready; a vaccine is being tested and may be available by the end of October.  The School District has been asked to accommodate with the facilitation of this vaccine should that time come.

-                        Elementary projected enrollments.  Besides the fifth grade, Pappone is also watching the kindergarten, third, and fourth grade class sizes at this time.  We are seeing a big influx of elementary students enrolling for this fall. 

-                        2009-10 Enrollment is now at 1,542 at the Elementary level, 744 at the Middle School level, and 952 at the High School level, with a total of 3,238 students which is a 126 student increase over last year, with families continuing to enroll each week.

-                        Student Achievement:  Yearly Dakota Step Reading and Math Rankings from the 2008-09 school year were presented.  Pappone is proud to report that Brandon Elementary, Robert Bennis Elementary and Valley Springs Elementary were all recognized as South Dakota Distinguished Schools.  Our elementary schools, as a whole, were number 1 in Math and Reading.  We also have the number 1 ranking in District Attendance and Graduation Rates.  Other good news to report is that our 7th grade math achievement went from #10 last year to #2 this year with the trend line in 5th and 6th grade math increasing as well.  Both the MS and HS are on school improvement due to not meeting Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) in the Special Education areas.  A report with all the results and details regarding each grade for each area will be presented at a future date.

 High School Principal Gregg Talcott reported on the Advanced Placement Testing Report for 2008-09.   Talcott also noted that the ACT Composite score average for the Brandon Valley High School class of 2009 is 23.5.

 District Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull discussed a data retreat that took place today with the Administrative Team to go through the process that will be used to write our school improvement plans.  Czepull invited the Board of Education to upcoming in-service opportunities on August 24th, and to the full staff data retreat on August 26th which will focus on bullying.  This will fulfill our OCR compliance, to include a bullying review in the morning, an all-staff luncheon, and a motivational speaker for the afternoon session. 

 Activities Director Randy Marso reported that band, competition cheer, competition dance, boys/girls soccer, boys/girls tennis, and boy’s golf practice have already started with the remainder of the fall sports starting Monday August 17th.  Lastly, he reminded the Board that the Pigskin classic is August 29th.

 The following board policies were given second reading by the Board of Education:
                        JBA                   Bullying/Harassment of Students
                       
JC                    Attendance Centers
                        IGCD                Advanced College Placement/Dual Enrollment (Also LEB)
                        IGD                  Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular Activities
                        IGDD                Student Performances
                        IGDK                Participation of Alternative Instruction Students
Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve these board policies as presented.  Motion carried.

           
Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve an application for Waiver from an Administrative Rule to offer Spanish I courses before grade nine for high school credit.  Motion carried. 

Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.        Approve agreement for Professional Services with Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc., for the 2009-10 school year.|
            2.       
Approve Public School Exemptions:  #10-03, 10-05, 10-08, 10-10, 10-14, 10-16, 10-19, 10-21, 10-22, 10-28, 10-32, 10-33, 10-44, 10-53, 10-69, 10-71, 10-73, 10-76, and 10-86.
            3.       
Approve the following Administrative Recommendations for open enrollments:  approve #10-140, 10-141, 10-142, 10-143, 10-146, 10-147, 10-148, 10-149, 10-151; deny #10-150 due to class size.
            4.       
Accept the request to rescind the following open enrollments: #10-30, 10-31, 10-34, 10-124, and 10-125. 
            5.       
Approve Kindergarten open enrollments as follows -- Fred Assam Elementary: #10-24, 10-41,10-46, and 10-49; Robert Bennis Elementary:  #10-06, 10-17, and 10-90; Brandon Elementary: #10-25, 10-27, 10-36, 10-38, 10-64, 10-68, 10-83, 10-91, 10-92, 10-93, 10-94, 10-94, 10-95, 10-96, and 10-121; Valley Springs Elementary: #10-02, 10-5A, 10-08, 10-8B, 10-14, 10-29, 10-35, 10-35A, 10-42, 10-50, 10-73, and 10-91A.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the following personnel item:
1.     
Recommendation to hire Carrie Van Holland, Elementary Reading Specialist, BA Step 4 - $34,057.00 effective for the 2009-10 school year.
2.     
Recommendation to hire Amy Behrens, part-time BE Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
3.     
Recommendation to hire Kristen Dullom, BVMS Child Nutrition Kitchen Manager, $12.25/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
4.     
Resignation of Doris Miller, BVMS part-time Child Nutrition, effective immediately.
5.     
Resignation of Nicole Palmquist, BVMS Special Education Educational Assistant, effective immediately.
6.     
Recommendation to hire Amanda Painter, BVHS Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
7.     
Recommendation to hire Chandra Anderson, BE Title I Tutor, BA Step 1 - $15.78/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
8.      Recommendation to add a Marching Band Assistant.
9.     
Resignation of Amy Glammeier, RBE Educational Assistant, effective immediately.
10. 
Recommendation to hire Wilma Kirkeby, Long-term substitute - BVHS Secretary, $8.50/hour, effective August 6, 2009.
11. 
Recommendation to hire Sonja Schmeling, part-time BVMS Child Nutrition, $10.25/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
12. 
Recommendation to hire Michiele Sanow, BVMS Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
Motion carried.

             Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
July 2009 Building Permits.
            2.     
Thank you from Amy & Chad Lupkes for the plant sent for the birth of their daughter, Teagan.
            3.     
Thank you from Adam, Dana, Taylor & Keaton Huisman for the plant sent in honor of Keaton’s birth.
            4.     
Thank you from Neoma Fields for the flowers sent during her recent hospital stay.
            5.     
Thank you from Carol Cook for the flowers sent wishing her a speedy recovery. 

            Board of Education Committee Reports were heard.  Buildings & Grounds – Egge updated on construction projects currently in progress.  Pappone also reminded all of the ribbon cutting at Fred Assam Elementary School, Thursday, August 13, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. 

            Travel reports were reviewed. 

            Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to go into Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a student matter.

             The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 8:03 p.m.

             Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to deny the student appeal to transfer elementary placement.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.  Motion carried.

                                Signed _______________________________
                                                           
 Business Manager

                     Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of September, 2009.
                               
                                Signed_______________________________
                                                            Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

July 13, 2009

The annual meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 13th of July, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present: Jean Bender (via conference call), Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  none.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Assistant High Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Fred Assam Elementary Principal Susan Foster, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Bill Freking, District Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 The Annual Budget Hearing preceded the Board of Education annual meeting at 6:00 p.m.

  Jean Bender called the annual meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Jean Bender and Gregg Ode were sworn in and took the Oath of Office for a 3-year term on the Board of Education for the Brandon Valley School District 49-2.   

 Superintendent David Pappone presided over the meeting for the election of Board Officers.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to nominate Jean Bender as Chairperson of the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year.   Motion by Egge to nominate Jay Rasmussen as Chairperson of the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year.  There was not a second to the motion.  Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen that nominations cease and that the board cast a unanimous ballot for Jean Bender as Chairperson of the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year.   On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Ode, Rasmussen, Egge, Ullom, Bender.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

 Jean Bender presided over the meeting as the newly elected president.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to nominate Jay Rasmussen as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year.  Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge that nominations cease and that the board cast a unanimous ballot for Jay Rasmussen as Vice Chairperson of the Board of Education for the 2009-10 school year.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Ullom, Egge, Ode, Rasmussen, Bender.  Nay: none.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Ullom to adopt the following regular procedures for 2009-10 Board of Education meetings:
          1.    Meeting dates and times:  6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month except July and December where there is one meeting held on the second Monday of the month.
          2.    Meeting place:  Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center, Valley Springs Elementary Band Room (4th Monday of October and April)
          3.    Order of roll call:  Motion, second and alternating.
          4.    Name of Official Newspaper: Brandon Valley Challenger – Prairie Publications, Dell Rapids.
          5.    Name of Official Depositories: First National Bank, Home Federal Bank, and South Dakota Funds Investment Trust.
          6.    Board Committee appointments:

                A)
                Alternative Education:
                                       Chairperson – Todd Egge

                             
         Alternate – Jay Rasmussen
                B)
                Buildings and Grounds:
                             
         Chairperson – Jay Rasmussen
                             
         Member – Todd Egge
                C)
                Child Nutrition and Wellness:
                             
         Chairperson – Jay Rasmussen
                             
         Member – Renee Ullom
                D)
                City Affairs and Legislation:
                             
         Chairperson – Renee Ullom
                                 
     Member – Todd Egge
                E)
                Personnel Welfare:
                                 
     Chairperson – Jean Bender
                                 
     Member – Gregg Ode
                F)
                Student Activities, Curriculum, and Technology:
                                 
     Chairperson – Gregg Ode
                                 
     Member –  Jean Bender
                G)
                Transportation:
                                 
     Chairperson – Todd Egge
                
                      Member – Jean Bender
                H)                Safety:
                                       Chairperson – Renee Ullom
                                       Member – Gregg Ode
          7.    Board reimbursement rate for 2009-10 - $65.00/meeting.
          8.    Authorized the Business Manager to:

                ·
               Invest temporary excess funds.
                ·
               Make temporary interfund transfers when necessary.
                ·
               Make debt service payments as due throughout the year.
         9.    Approve Business Manager bond of $300,000.
        10.    Designate Business Manager as custodian for all accounts and administration of trust and agency accounts.
        11.    Approve authorization of Superintendent to institute school lunch agreement and direct federal programs.
Motion carried.

         Motion by Rasmussen seconded by Egge to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of June 8, 2009 and June 22, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

         Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached). On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Ode, Egge, Ullom, and Rasmussen; abstaining: Bender. Motion carried.

         The cash report for the month of June, 2009 showed receipts of $3,588,203.82 and disbursements of $3,706,243.13, leaving a balance of $14,149,626.55.  The General Fund had receipts of $2,055,929.00, and disbursements of $1,551,828.95, leaving a balance of $5,656,735.66.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $617,914.99, and disbursements of $42,691.47, leaving a balance of $2,357,901.71.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $339,371.15 and disbursements $212,879.25, leaving a balance of $885,648.69.  Pension Fund had receipts of $58,198.04 and disbursements of $100,202.00 leaving a balance of $169,736.99.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $331,559.86 and disbursements of $440,734.40 leaving a balance of $682,801.77.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $185,230.78 and disbursements of $1,357,907.06 leaving a balance of $4,396,801.73.

         The June, 2009 payroll totaled $1,171,347.56, of which $615,212.62 was instructional, $352,425.26 was support services, $26,337.55 was co-curricular, and $140,913.53 was Special Education, and $36,458.60 was Food Service.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of June, 2009.  Motion carried.

         Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent Pappone reported that he continues to watch the elementary enrollment numbers and has been working on the Kindergarten open enrollments.  Kindergarten open enrollments will be decided on early in August and will be brought to the Board for their approval at the August 10th meeting.  Pappone also reviewed the summary of leaves and absences and substitute costs for the District for the 2008-09 school year.  Finally, Pappone requested that the Board of Education and Administrators let him know if they plan to attend the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) Convention scheduled for August 5-7, 2009 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

 The following board policies were given first reading by the Board of Education:
                    JBA       Bullying/Harassment of Students
                    JC         Attendance Centers
                    IGCD     Advanced College Placement/Dual Enrollment (Also LEB)
                    IGD       Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular Activities
                    IGDD     Student Performances
                    IGDK     Participation of Alternative Instruction Students 

The Child Nutrition/Wellness Committee has proposed to raise school lunches for the 2009-10 school year as follows:  Breakfast:  K-5: $1.40, 6-12: $1.60;  Lunch:  K-5: $2.20; 6-12: $2.50.  Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve 2009-10 school lunch prices as proposed and presented by the committee.  Motion carried.
   
            Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following general business items:

                 1.
  Approve 2009-10 district budgets (attached) and associated tax requests.
APPROPRIATIONS
                        General Fund                                          $18,011,000
                        Capital Outlay Fund                                  $  3,112,000
                        Special Education Fund                             $   3,508,000
                        Pension Fund                                          $     214,000 
                        Bond Redemption Fund                            $   1,948,000
                       Capital Projects Fund                                $   2,625,000
                        Food Service Fund                                   $  1,729,000

REVENUES

                        General Fund                                          $18,011,000
                        Capital Outlay Fund                                  $  3,490,000
                        Special Education Fund                              $  3.508,000
                        Pension Fund                                          $     350,000
                        Bond Redemption Fund                             $  1,948,000
                        Capital Projects Fund                                $       25,000
                        Food Service Fund                                   $   1,729,000

TAX LEVY REQUESTS

                        General Fund                              $ 2.573 per $1,000 of Total Valuation
                                                                          3.573 per $1,000 of Non AG Z Valuation
                                                                          4.042 per $1,000 of Owner-Occupied Valuation
                                                                          8.656 per $1,000 of Other Valuation
                        Capital Outlay Fund                      $ 3.00 per $1,000 of Total Valuation
                        Special Education Fund                 $ 1.20 per $1,000 of Total Valuation
                        Pension Fund                              $ 0.30 per $1,000 of Total Valuation
                        Bond Redemption Fund                $1,945,000               

      2.  Approve the following 2008-09 Budget Supplement:
SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND
              Expenditures
              Bus Driver Salary Expense        22-1000-145                  + $ 25,000
              
-To account for additional expenses in the area of Special Education transportation
.
3.
         Adopt tuition rate of $4,805 per student.
4.
         Approve 2009-10 mileage rate at .05 over state rate:  .42¢/mile.
5.
         Approve 2009-10 meal reimbursement rates as follows:  (in-state) Breakfast - $5, Lunch - $9, Dinner - $12; (out-of state) Breakfast - $8, Lunch - $11, Dinner - $17.
6.
         Approve 2009-10 Listing of District Employees salaries for publication (see attached).
7.
         Approve renewal of membership with the Associated School Boards of South Dakota and the National School Board Association.
8.
         Approve administrative recommendation to approve the following Open Enrollments:#10-128, 10-129, 10-131, & 10-140.
9.
         Approve administrative recommendation to approve the following Minnesota Border School Applications:  MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, and MB5.
10.
      Approve Student Handbook for the 2009-10 school year.
11.
      Approve Consolidated Application for the 2009-10 school year.
12.
      Approve contract for services with Carroll Institute for $9,357.
13.      Approve acceptance of Tobacco Prevention Grant for $18,000 for the 2009-10 school year.
14.
      Approve Special Education Programs (Part B-IDEA) annual request for IDEA-B Flowthrough Funds for 2009-10 school year.
15.
      Approve Public School Exemptions:  #10-04 and 10-56.
16.      Approve agreement between the City of Sioux Falls and Brandon Valley School District for joint use of public facilities (Fred Assam Elementary).
Motion carried

     Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following personnel item:
1.
       Recommendation to hire Erin Bisbee, Grade 3 at Fred Assam Elementary, BA Step 3 - $33,708.00 effective for the 2009-10 school year.
2.
       Recommendation to hire John Mulhair, Assistant Girls Tennis Coach, 6.5% of BA Step 2 - $2,170.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
3.
       Recommendation to hire Nick Stroh, Assistant Freshman Football Coach, 6.5% of BA Step 2 - $2,170.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
4.
       Recommendation to hire Matt Reese, Assistant Middle School Football Coach, 6% of BA Step 3 - $2,22.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
5.
       Recommendation to hire Tonya Smith, Grade 3 at Valley Springs Elementary, BA Step 3 - $33,708, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
6.
       Recommendation to terminate the employment of Bridgette French-Harbison, HS Special Education Educational Assistant, effective June 30, 2009.
7.
       Resignation from Kayla Lubbers, Fred Assam Elementary Kitchen Manager, effective immediately.
Motion carried.

             Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
  1.       June 2009 Building Permits.
             
2.       Maternity leave request from Coty McGuire.
             
3.       Thank you from Annette Peterson and family for the plant sent in memory of her mother, Minnie Grorud.

            Board of Education Committee Reports were heard.  Transportation – Renee Ullom reported that a district-wide postcard was mailed recently to all patrons with transportation and bus pass fee information.  As an additional reminder, Ullom explained that the fee for in-town busing is based on a student’s home address being within a 1.5 mile radius of their school of attendance and safe passage of roads under 45 mph.  For those living out by Fred Assam Elementary, that would include the subdivisions of Arbor’s Edge, Willow Ridge, Pine Lake Hills, and Mystic Meadows.  An “in-town” or “in-neighborhood” busing fee will now apply for those students in those areas and those requests should be in to the transportation department as soon as possible.

            Travel reports were reviewed.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m.  Motion carried
                        Signed __________________________________
                                                Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 10th day of August, 2009.

                        Signed___________________________________
                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

July 2, 2009

    A special meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 4:00 p.m. on the 2nd day of July, 2009 at the George A. Gulson Administration Center Conference Room, Brandon, SD with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, and Gregg Ode;  present via conference call: Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  none.   Also present were Superintendent David M. Pappone and Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg.

     Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

     The meeting was called for the purpose of awarding a contract for strength training equipment.

    The Brandon Valley Board of Education reviewed the following bids for Weight Room Equipment:

                   2nd Wind Exercise Equipment          $85,608.50
                        Push-Pedal-Pull                             $75,979.37
                        Power Lift                                   $86,224.23

    Superintendent Pappone then reviewed with the Board of Education the bid documents and specifications for this project.  He also informed the Board of the following funding for this project:

                   $30,000         Brandon Valley Booster Club
                        $15,000         Brandon Valley “Letterwinners” account
                        $31,000         Brandon Valley School District

     Representatives from 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment and Push-Pedal-Pull were in attendance and were each given time to speak on behalf of their respective bid submittals.

     Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to accept the Administration’s recommendation to approve the low bid for Weight Room Equipment of $75,979.37 from Push-Pedal-Pull.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Ullom, Rasmussen, Bender; nay: Egge, Ode.   Motion carried.

     Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to adjourn the meeting at 4:28 p.m.  Motion carried.

                Signed __________________________
                                        Business Manager

        Approved by the Board of Education this 10th day of August, 2009.

                            Signed __________________________
                                        Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

June 22, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 22nd of June, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, and Middle School Assistant Principal Randy Hill.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried. 

Superintendent Pappone informed the Board of Education of the current elementary enrollment numbers as of June 16, 2009:  RBE – 466; BE – 632; VSE – 169; and FAE – 236; Total - 1,503.  This is an increase of 51 elementary students from last year at this time.  Mr. Pappone will continue to monitor these numbers as registration continues throughout the summer months.  Pappone also stated that we do have an additional 1.0 FTE teaching position budgeted for the 2009-10 school year should enrollment increase to the point that we need to add a section.

 The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:
                    IGBB                                Programs for Gifted Students
    `              IGBG                                Homebound Instruction
                    IGBH                                Alternative School Programs
                    IGCA                                Summer School
                    IGCD                               Advanced College Placement/Dual Enrollment (Also LEB)
                    IGD                                 Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular Activities
                    IGDA                               Student Organizations (Limited Open Forum)
                    IGDB                               Student Publications
                    IGDD                               Student Performances
                    IGDF                                Student Fund-Raising Activities
                    IGDG                               Student Activities Funds Management
                    IGDI/IGDJ                        Interscholastic Athletics/Intramural Athletics
                    IGDK                               Participation of Alternative Instruction Students
                    IGE                                  Community Education Program
 
            The following Board Policies were given a second reading by the Board of Education:
                     IA                                    Instructional Goals
                     IB                                    Academic Freedom
                     IGBA                                Programs for Students with Disabilities
           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve these policies as presented.  Motion carried.
 

            Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the following general business items:
                    1.     
Approve administrative recommendations regarding Open Enrollments as follows:  approve #10-124, 10-125, 10-126; deny open enrollment #10-127.
                   
2.      Approve Public School Exemption #10-54 and 10-02.
                   
3.      Approve Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament Proposal for January 2, 2010, as presented and sponsored by the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
                   
4.      Approve bills and claims for the remainder of the month of June as presented. (attached)
               
5.      Approve low bid for professional printing for the 2009-10 school year from Performance Press for $28,772.00
                   
6.      Approve low quote for Copiers (8 total office machines) from A&B Business Solutions, Inc. for $9,036/year based on 1,000,000 total copies.
Motion carried.

            Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to approve the following personnel items:
                   
1.      Resignation from Angela Nelson, Reading Specialist, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year, subject to liquidated damages of $500.
               
2.      Request for a one-year leave from Coty McGuire, 9th Grade Volleyball Coaching position.
                   
3.      Recommendation to hire Craig Holbeck, Assistant MS Track & Field Coach, 6% of BA Step 10 - $2,189.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
                   
4.      Recommendation to hire Kendra Namanny, 9th Grade Volleyball Coach, 8.5% of BA Step 6 - $2,958.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
                   
5.      Recommendation to hire Kelly Scholten, Assistant HS Football Coach, 10% of BA Step 7 - $3,519.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
                   
6.      Recommendation to hire Julie Forbes, Title I Tutor (recall), 37.5 hours/week, $15.83 per/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
                   
7.      Recommendation to hire Gerald Bills, BVHS Custodian, $11.25/hour with night differential of $.50/hour, effective July 1, 2009.
                   
8.      Recommendation to hire Carol Egert, BVHS Custodian, $11.25/hour with night differential of $.50/hour, effective July 1, 2009.
                   
9.      Recommendation to hire Ethan Thompson, BVHS Custodian, $11.25/hour with night differential of $.50/hour, effective July 1, 2009.
                   
10.  Recommendation to hire Debra Black, FAE Custodian, $11.25/hour with night differential of $.50/hour, effective July 1, 2009.
                   
11.  Recommendation to hire Marvin Burkman, FAE Custodian, $11.25/hour with night differential of $.50/hour, effective July 1, 2009.
                   
12.  Resignation from Rebecca Pittenger, VSE Third Grade, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year, subject to liquidated damages of $750. 
Motion Carried.

The following transfers/assignments were reviewed by the Board of Education as follows:
                   
1.         Barb Langner, BE Custodial Supervisor to FAE Custodial Supervisor effective July 1, 2009.
                   
2.         Joel Keyman, BE Custodian, to BE Custodial Supervisor effective July 1, 2009.
                   
3.         Special Education Educational Assistant assignments for the 2009-10 school year.

             Communications received by the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
                   
1.      Thank you from Mary Erickson for the dinner and mug for 10 years of service to the District.
                   
2.      Maternity leave request from Jessica Henson.

                 Board reports were heard.  Transportation – Renee Ullom reported on a recent meeting with Transportation Director Leslie Erikson.    She reminded everyone of the incentive to get transportation requests in by August 1st for a savings on the bus pass fee.  This also ensures that the transportation department has the necessary information for routes for the first day of school and beyond.  The committee also spent a good amount of time on student safety.  Mr. Erikson is working with an advisory committee on many safety issues related to student transportation.

             Alternative Education – Jean Bender reported on a recent East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) meeting.  Budget supplements were approved as well as a review of ESA services that will be provided.

             Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center.  He also reported on a neighborhood meeting with residents who live on the west side of the varsity practice field that is under construction.  The District addressed their concerns about drainage.  Our Civil Engineer reviewed the changes of grade and explained how we are reducing the water flow, which was the neighbors’ main concern.  Assurances were made to the neighbors that the School District will continue to monitor the situation.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:08 p.m.   Motion carried.
                   
                                         Signed ________________________________
                                                                   
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 13th day of July, 2009.
               
                                        Signed_________________________________
                                                                    Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

June 8, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 8th of June, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent: None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of May 11, 2009 and May 26, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Rasmussen, Ode, Ullom and Egge; abstaining: Bender.  Motion carried.

         The cash report for the month of May, 2009 showed receipts of $4,741,456.29 and disbursements of $2,800,604.59 leaving a balance of $14,267,665.86.  The General Fund had receipts of $2,503,899.23, and disbursements of $1,550,410.82, leaving a balance of $5,152,635.61.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $1,013,710.26, and disbursements of $27,121.01, leaving a balance of $1,782,678.19.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $537,490.50, and disbursements of $218,854.68, leaving a balance of $759,156.79.  Pension Fund had receipts of $100,201.87 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $211,740.95.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $570,918.51 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $791,976.31. Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $15,235.92 and disbursements of $1,004,218.08, leaving a balance of $5,569,478.01.

            The May, 2009 payroll totaled $1,129,217.52, of which $578,723.52 was instructional, $326,534.80 was support services, $27,002.97 was co-curricular, $149,992.70 was Special Education, and $46,963.53 was Food Service.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of May, 2009.  Motion carried.

         Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported on the following items:

     -          Department of Education - Office of Finance and Management letter of approval for the Brandon Valley School District June 30, 2007    audit report.
-          Review of a memo regarding 2009-10 Travel Budget Restrictions – reducing travel expense by approximately 20% district wide, along with a one-year moratorium on administrative travel to national conventions.
-         
2009-10 Projected Elementary enrollments were reviewed and discussed.  Superintendent Pappone is continuing to monitor class sizes on each grade level at every elementary school.

         Assistant High School Principal Brad Thorson reported on the recent High School student choir trip to Washington D.C., which he chaperoned.  He also stated that an ALERT Now Communication Webinar will be held Tuesday, June 9th for Safety Committee members.

     The following Board Policies were given a first reading by the Board of Education:

IA                            Instructional Goals
IB                             Academic Freedom
IGBA                        Programs for Disabled Students
 

        The Graduation date for the Class of 2010 has been under discussion.   The original date on the school calendar had been set for May 30th.  Some parents requested this date be moved to May 23rd.  A survey was emailed to all parents of 2010 graduates by the High School Administration.  The final results of the survey were as follows:  109 respondents out of a possible 222 -- 62 for May 23rd, 40 for May 30th, 2 were okay with either date, and 5 are mid-year graduates that are unimpacted by the date.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the existing date of May 30, 2010 as next year’s graduation date as published and adopted by the board in March of 2008.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Rasmussen, Ullom, Egge, Ode, Bender; nay: none.  Motion carried.

           Discussion was held on the East Dakota Educational Cooperative contract for summer services for Occupational and Physical Therapy services.  We are required by law to provide these special services.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the 2009 Summer Contract with East Dakota Educational Cooperative in the amount of $7,903.00 for Occupational and Physical Therapy services as presented.  Motion carried.

Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following general business items:
           
1.      Approve 2009-10 Classified Hiring Schedule as presented.
               2.      Approve the following Administrative Recommendations for open enrollments:  deny #10-115 and 10-118; approve #10-119, 10-120, 10-121, 10-122, and 10-123.
            3.      Approve Public School Exemption #10-01.
            4.     
Approve application for Waiver from an Administration Rule to continue to offer math courses before grade nine for high school credit.  Motion carried.

Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve a recommendation to hire Allison Rasmussen, .5 FTE Early Childhood Specialist, BA Step Base - $16,383.50, effective for the 2009-10 school year.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye: Egge, Ullom, and Bender; abstaining: Rasmussen, Ode.  Motion carried.

Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
            1.        
Resignation of Adam Bobzien, MS Track & Field Coach, effective immediately.
           
2.         Recommendation to hire Renae Peyton, District School Nurse, BA Step Base - $20.30/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
3.         Recommendation to hire Adam Bobzien, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, 31% of BA Step Base - $10,158.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
4.         Recommendation to hire Kris Sellers, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, MA+30 Step 10 - $38,393.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
5.         Recommendation to hire Teresa Brandsrud, Speech/Language Clinician, BA Step 10 - $36,488.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
6.         Request for authorization to reinstate 1.0 FTE Title I Tutor.  
           
7.         Recommendation to hire Sandy Brietzman, part-time BE Child Nutrition - $10.00/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
8.         Recommendation to hire Linda McKay, part-time RBE Child Nutrition - $10.00/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
9.         Recommendation to hire Gail Grace, part-time RBE Child Nutrition - $10.00/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
10.     Reduction in contracted service time for Heide Gedney from 1.00 FTE to .8 FTE, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
11.     Recommendation to hire Nicole Kirsch, Special Education Educational Assistant - $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
12.     Recommendation to hire Erin O’Neill, Teacher for Auditory Oral Program, BA+15 Step 5 - $34,797.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
13.     Recommendation to hire Julie Brown, Teacher for Auditory Oral Program, MA Step 10 - $37,400.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
14.     Recommendation to hire Elizabeth Hubbell, Special Education Educational Assistant - $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
15.     Recommendation to hire Elizabeth Rus, Elementary Counselor, MA Step 3 - $34,417.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
Motion carried.

         The following transfer was reviewed by the Board of Education:
           
1.         Tyson Metzger from Fred Assam Elementary to Robert Bennis Elementary, effective for the 2009-10 school year.

         Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
1.      May 2009 Building Permits.
           
2.      Thank you from Val Bills regarding the plant sent wishing her a speedy recovery.
           
3.      Thank you from Marie Fritz and family for the plant sent in memory of her father, Malcolm Murray.
           
4.      Thank you from Jennifer Hart for the plant and balloon sent for the birth of Kenlyn Elizabeth.
           
5.      Thank you Susan Dykstra and family for the beautiful plant in memory of her mother.

           Board reports were heard.  Transportation – Renee Ullom reported that there will be a Supe’s On article on transportation safety issues.  A committee meeting will be scheduled sometime this week. 

           Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center.  Discussion was also held regarding the practice football field and drainage issues that neighbors to the west have brought up.  A neighborhood meeting will be scheduled to factually inform neighbors that the drainage issues will be improved for them with this newly constructed practice football field.

         Travel reports were reviewed.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to go into Executive Session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss a legal matter.

           The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 8:34 p.m.

          Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                                Signed ___________________________________
                                                                               
Business Manager

Approved by the Board of Education this 13th day of July, 2009. 

Signed____________________________________
                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

May 26, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 26th of May, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 LeAnn Sawyer spoke to the Board of Education concerning changing the 2010 graduation date from   May 30 to May 23, 2010.  She was opposed to this possible change.

 Superintendent David Pappone informed the Board of Education that an administrative rule is being proposed to the State Board of Education allowing for School District’s to use up to 50% of the IDEA Stimulus Funds for General Fund purposes.  He stated that he anticipated the successful approval of this rule change by the State Board of Education.

 Superintendent Pappone presented the High School Academic Awards Ceremony as prepared by High School Principal Dr. Gregg Talcott.

 The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:
                    IA                                    Instructional Goals
                    IB                                    Academic Freedom
                    IC/ICA                             School Year
                    ID                                    School Day
                    IDGL                                Virtual/Online Courses
                    IDGL-R                            Distance Education
                    IE                                    Organization of Instruction
                    IF/IFB/IFD                        Curriculum Development and Adoption
                    IGAA                                Citizenship Education
                    IGAB                                Human Relations Education
                    IGAC                                Teaching About Religion
                    IGAD                               Occupational Education
                    IGAF                                Physical Education
                    IGAG                                Teaching about Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco
                    IGBA                                Programs for Disabled Student

            The following Board Policies were given a second reading by the Board of Education:
                    EEAA                               District Transportation
                    EEACC-R                         Student Conduct on School Buses/School Vehicles (Also JFCC-R)
Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve these policies as presented.  Motion carried.

            The preliminary 2009-10 Capital Outlay budget was reviewed by the Board of Education.  Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the preliminary 2009-10 Capital Outlay Budget as presented by the Administration.  Motion carried.

            Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following general business items:
           
1.      Approve waiver of facility use fee for Liberty Center.
           
2.      Approve administrative recommendations regarding Open Enrollments as follows:  approve #10-110, 10-111, 10-113, 10-114, 10-116, and 10-117; deny open enrollment #10-112.
            3.     
Approve complete and low bid for 2009-10 Office Supplies from Brown & Saenger of $29,500.46.
           
4.      Approve low base bid for High School Gymnasium scoreboards, clocks, timers, and related peripherals from Daktronics of $41,140.00 plus the alternate bid for ColorSmart Technology.
           
5.      Approve low base bid for Brandon Valley High School Office and Art room remodel from Peska Construction of $315,895.00 and alternate of $35,945; total bid:  $351,840.00.  Motion carried.

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.                  Recommendation to hire Robin Nipp, .5 FTE Brandon Elementary Special Education Teacher, BA+15 Step 5 - $17,398.50, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
2.                  Recommendation to hire Jeff Fode, RBE/BVMS General Music K-8 Teacher, BA Step 4 - $34,057.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
3.                  Recommendation to hire Pat Thorson, BVHS Child Nutrition Manager, $12.25/hour effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
4.                  Recommendation to hire Colleen Taylor, part-time BVHS Child Nutrition, $10.00/hour effective August 12, 2009.
           
5.                  Recommendation to hire Sara Andera, .5 FTE BVHS Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.75/hour, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
6.                  Recommendation to hire Bill Freking, .5 FTE VSE Principal, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
7.                  Approve resignation of Bill Freking, .5 FTE Teacher contract and Assistant HS Football coaching position, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
           
8.                  Approve resignation of Les Schroeder, BVMS Special Education Educational Assistant, effective May 22, 2009.
           
9.                  Approve resignation of Jan Tarras, part-time RBE Child Nutrition effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
           
10.              Approve reduction request from Pam Hedman from full-time Speech Therapist to a four-day/week position, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
11.              Request authorization to hire two positions associated with the Auditory-Oral program at Fred Assam Elementary for the 2009-10 school year.
           
12.              Recommendation to hire Kristi Gregersen, BE Child Nutrition Manager, $12.25/hour effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
13.              Recommendation to hire Signe Andrashie, part-time BVMS Child Nutrition, $10.00/hour effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
14.              Recommendation to hire Aldon Myrlie, summer maintenance employee, $8.50/hour.
           
15.              Recommendation to hire Ellyn Hays, Speech/Language Clinician - A/O Program at Fred Assam Elementary, MA Step 4 - $34,797.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.

 The following transfers, effective with the 2009-10 school year, were reviewed by the Board of Education:
1.         Tracie Ode, Educational Assistant, from RBE to FAE.
2.         Kayla Lubbers, BE Child Nutrition Kitchen Manager to FAE Child Nutrition Kitchen Manager.

             Communications received by the Central Office and the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
1.      Thank you from Rose Mary Christenson for being honored for 15 years of service to the District.
           
2.      Thank you from Rita Korbal for the nice banquet and all the honors given to her at the April 28th banquet.
           
3.      Thank you from Carol Parker for the recognition of her 25 years with the BV School District.
           
4.      Thank you from Deb Rothenberger for the dinner and the 25 years of service award.
           
5.      Thank you from Dian Versteeg for the recognition of 10 years of service to the BV School District.
           
6.      Thank you from Jesse, Lori, Hailey and Karter Gladis for the plant sent celebrating Karter’s birth.

            Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Jean Bender reported on a recent East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) meeting where they reviewed policies along with the preliminary 2009-10 budget.

            Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center. 

             Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                         Signed ________________________________
                                                               
Business Manager

                                        Approved by the Board of Education this 8th day of June, 2009

                                        Signed_________________________________
                                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

May 11, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 11th of May, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent: None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of April 14, 2009 and April 27, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

           Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  Motion carried.

           The cash report for the month of April, 2009 showed receipts of $1,343,636.38 and disbursements of $2,959,523.86 leaving a balance of $12,326,814.16.  The General Fund had receipts of $978,122.82, and disbursements of $1,422,530.99, leaving a balance of $4,199,147.20.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $101,324.86, and disbursements of $82,572.97, leaving a balance of $796,088.94.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $182,006.36, and disbursements of $221,016.79, leaving a balance of $440,520.97.  Pension Fund had receipts of $9,789.90 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $111,539.08.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $54,884.50 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $221,057.80.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $17,507.94 and disbursements of $1,200,403.11, leaving a balance of $6,558,460.17.

            The April, 2009 payroll totaled $1,095,611.37, of which $585,007.06 was instructional, $279,106.80 was support services, $33,750.23 was co-curricular, $150,173.13 was Special Education, and $47,574.15 was Food Service.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of April, 2009.  Motion carried.

             Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported on the following:

-          Review of the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) Board Report.  He pointed out that the Consumer Price Index is increasing slightly, which is good news for school districts.

-          Review of the IDEA requirement Report from the South Dakota Department of Education.  Mr. Pappone congratulated Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson and her staff on their work on this State Performance Plan review; Brandon Valley received a perfect score on this review.

-          A school board election will not be held as Jean Bender and Gregg Ode were the only two to file petitions for the two open seats.

                 Business Manager Paul Lundberg presented the 2009-10 proposed district budget.

                 Superintendent Pappone reviewed the detailed 2009-10 proposed capital outlay budget with the Board of Education.

              High School Principal Gregg Talcott reminded the Board of Education that the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2009 will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 2 p.m.

    Tanya Czepull updated the Board on the upcoming Social Studies adoption. 

    The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:
                EEAA                        District Transportation
                EEACC-R                     Student Conduct on School Buses/School Vehicles                   

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
           
1.      Approve a recommendation for a 3% increase in Administrative and Classified Salaries/Wages.  In addition, administrators will receive a $15/month stipend for personal cell phone usage (non-data) and a $30/month stipend for personal cell phone usage with data service.
            2.      Approve a recommendation to approve SDSU’s contract modification for Kimberly House’s early childhood placement with Jill Nuebel at Fred Assam Elementary in the fall of 2009.  (Previous teacher was Jennifer VanDyke at Brandon Elementary.)
            3.      Approve administrative recommendation on the South Dakota High School Activities Association election ballot for Chuck Wilson from Todd County as the Native American at-large representative for the July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2014 term.
            4.      Approve district share of $1,000 stipend for National Board Certified Teachers.
            5.      Approve 2009-10 and 2010-11 Brandon Valley School Year Calendars that reflect the two additional days added per recent negotiations.
            6.      Approve administrative recommendation to deny Open enrollments #10-108 and 10-109.
Motion carried.

          Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.         Recommendation to hire Matthew Reese, School Psychologist - MA Step 3 - $42,952.00, MS Boys Basketball – $2,023.00, total contract of $44,975.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
2.         Recommendation to hire Carolyn Ebright, Head Junior Class Advisor (Prom Coordinator), 2.5% of BA Step 6 - $870.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
3.         Approve resignation/retirement of Liz Murphy, BVHS Child Nutrition, effective May 29, 2009.
           
4.         Approve resignation of Kim Stoick, BVMS Child Nutrition, effective May 29, 2009.
           
5.         Recommendation to hire Nedd Brown, BVHS Science Teacher – MA+30 Step 10 - $38,393.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
6.         Recommendation to hire Dr. Tanya Czepull as the full-time Director of Curriculum and Instruction - $71,593.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
7.         Recommendation for additional staffing for the 2009-10 school year:
                    Two (2) Educational Assistants
                    One (1) School Nurse
           
8.         Recommendation to hire Sarah Andera, .5 FTE Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – BA Step 5 - $17,208.50, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
9.         Approve the resignation of Brady J. Olson, Quiz Bowl Advisor, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
           
10.     Recommendation to hire Rebecca McDowell, Gifted Education Teacher – MA+15 Step 5 - $35,604.00, Quiz Bowl Advisor – 2.5% of BA Step Base - $819.00, total contract of $36,423.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
           
11.     Approve resignation of Carla Tinsman, Brandon Elementary Early Childhood Teacher, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
           
12.     Recommendation of hire Matt Mueller, Freshman Football Coach, 8.0% of BA Step 1 - $2,645.00, effective for the 2009-10 school year.
Motion carried. 

          Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
1.      April 2009 Building Permits.
           
2.      Thank you from Marcia Petree for recognition of 40 years with the district at the banquet and the “beautiful framed print by Lean Liu”.
           
3.      Thank you from Jill Nuebel for the beautiful clock honoring her fifteen years with the district.
           
4.      Thank you from Ann Sittig for “organizing and sponsoring the Brandon Valley Recognition Banquet”.  Also a thank you for receiving the Teacher of the Year Award.
           
5.      Thank you from Shari Sunne for the wonderful meal and entertainment at the Recognition and Teacher of the Year Banquet.
           
6.      Thank you from Tina Feenstra for the meal and mug in recognition of her 10 years of service.
           
7.      Thank you from Bonnie Fjerestad for the 25 years of service award and the delicious meal.
           
8.      Thank you from Jeff, Leah and Will Lockner for the plant and balloon sent at Will’s birth.
           
9.      Thank you from Helen Mogen on behalf of Region II Music for use of the Performing Arts Center.

            Board reports were heard.  Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center. 

             Safety – Todd Egge reported that the Safety Committee met on May 6th with an update on the H1N1 virus.  Mr. Egge also shared some ideas with the committee that he received from the National School Board Convention he recently attended.

            Travel reports were reviewed.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 8:07 p.m.   Motion carried.    
                                  

                                        Signed ________________________________
                                                               
Business Manager

                                        Approved by the Board of Education this 8th day of June, 2009

                                        Signed_________________________________
                                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

April 27, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 27th of April, 2009 at the Valley Springs Elementary School with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Superintendent Pappone updated the Board of Education on the Swine Flu and shared a memo he received from the Minnehaha County Emergency Management on CDC guidelines and universal precautions against Swine Flu.  At this time, we are monitoring the situation and will meet with school district Administrators and nurses this week to remain on top of this situation.  He also reminded all of the staff of the upcoming appreciation/retirement dinner which is scheduled for tomorrow, April 28, 2009 in the High School Commons starting at 6:00 p.m.

 The following Board Policies were given a second reading by the Board of Education:
                GD                           Classified Staff
                GDB                         Classified Staff Contracts and Compensation Plans
                GDBB                       Classified Staff Supplementary Pay Plans
                GDBD                       Classified Staff Leaves and Absences
                GDG                         Classified Staff Probation and Tenure - Rescind
                   
GDL                         Classified Staff Development Opportunities
                GDN                         Evaluation of Support Staff (Also AFD)

Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve policies GD, GDB, GDBB, GDBD, GDL and GDN as presented and to rescind policy GDG.  Motion carried.

          Tad Perry from the South Dakota Board of Regents spoke to the Board of Education regarding a contract for Brandon Valley to provide an Auditory-Oral Program that was previously provided at the South Dakota School for the Deaf.  Terry Gregerson, Superintendent at the School for the Deaf, also spoke regarding his role and enthusiasm in this program.  Senator Dan Ahlers, District 25, also spoke to the Board of Education.  His role was mainly as an observer on behalf of the South Dakota legislature.  Senator Ahlers asked the Board to consider incorporating sign language into the A/O program as well.  Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the contracted services agreement with the South Dakota Board of Regents to provide the Auditory-Oral program as presented.  Motion carried.

          Business Manager Paul Lundberg presented information on a Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) for the Brandon Valley School District effective July 1, 2009.  This MERP plan raises the deductible and out of pocket maximums on our current health plan, thereby decreasing our health insurance premiums.  The district will then “self-fund” the difference.  The premise of implementing the MERP is that the school district can realize savings from the reduced premiums and self-fund the increased out-of pocket maximums.  Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve the Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan as presented.  Motion carried.

          A new Brandon Valley Education Association (BVEA) contract was presented which calls for a 3% increase in salary and two additional instructional days.  In addition, we have added a School Psychologist Hiring Schedule to the contract.  The contract is for one year on money related issues and four years on language issues.  Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the Master Agreement between the Brandon Valley School District 49-2 and the BVEA for 2009-10 as presented.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve use of up to $26,759 of IDEA funds from ARRA to fund ESA 2 to provide professional development.
           
2.      Approve low bid of $48,974.98 from Hillyard for Custodial Supplies.
           
3.      Approve low bid of $49,128.00 from Jans Corporation for the Brandon Valley Middle School Tennis Courts Restroom Facility.
           
4.      Approve low bids for Brandon Valley High School Addition Classroom Furnishings from School Specialty and Brown & Saenger for a total of $154,646.66.
           
5.      Rescind previous approval of contract for school psychological services with East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) for the 2009-10 school year.
           
6.      Approve low bid of $45,000.00 from Mid States Audio, Inc., for sound system for the Brandon Valley High School Activities Center.
           
7.      Approve South Dakota Department of Education application to receive ARRA-State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF).
Motion carried.

           Superintendent Pappone requested that the board review his previous request and additional financial information provided to increase the Director of Curriculum and Instruction from a half-time position to a full-time position beginning with the 2009-10 school year.  Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve an increase to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction from a half-time position to a full-time position beginning with the 2009-10 school year.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye:  Ullom, Rasmussen and Bender; nay:  Egge and Ode.  Motion carried.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.                  Recommendation to hire Abby Klumper, 5th grade at Brandon Elementary for the 2009-10 school year, BA Step 3 - $33,708.
           
2.                  Request for four (4) new custodial positions for Brandon Valley High School and Fred Assam Elementary.
           
3.                  Recommendation to hire Misti Becker, .5 FTE Braille Instructor for the 2009-10 school year, 17.5 hours/week - $15.00/hour.
           
4.                  Recommendation to hire summer custodial/maintenance workers as follows:
                     Custodial:    Misti Becker (MS) - $8.75/hour;
                                        Michael Keyman (HS) - $8.25/hour;
                                        Adam Eggers (HS) - $8.25/hour;
                                        Susan Fritz (MS) - $8.25/hour;
                                        Andrew Gile - $8.50/hour;
                                        Stephanie Keyman (BE) - $8.50/hour;
                                        Victoria Kohnen (RBE) - $8.25/hour;
                                        Jo Roozenboom (VSE) - $8.75/hour;
                                        Cassie Scholten (VSE) - $8.50/hour;
                                        Jake Sheffield (BE) - $8/25/hour; and
                                        Ethan Thompson (HS) - $8.50/hour.
                      Grounds:     Ryan Dellman - $8.75/hour;
                                        Brittany Brown - $8.75/hour;
                                        Christine Murtha - $8.50/hour;
                                        Jason Nadenicek - $8.75/hour;
                                        Andrew Bauer - $8.25/hour; and
                                        Taylor Fish - $8.25/hour.

            5.                 
Recommendation to hire Daniel J. Wheeler, Transportation Substitute.
            6.                 
Recommendation to hire Jaren Guetter, Brandon Valley High School English for the 2009-10 school year, MA Step 4 - $34,797.
            7.                 
Recommendation to hire Sara A. Rief, Brandon Valley Middle School Special Education Educational Assistant, $10.50/hour, 35 hours/week, effective immediately. 

          Communications received by the Central Office and the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
Maternity leave request from Jennifer Hart beginning Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
           
2.      Thank you from Gretchen Anderson for the plant sent in honor of her mother, Gertrude Schipper.
           
3.      Teri Huska expressing concern over class size.
           
4.      Letter from Gary Schweitzer, Brandon Area Soccer Association, requesting financial support for field development.

           Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Todd Egge reported on a recent East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) meeting.

          Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center. 

          Travel reports were reviewed.

          Superintendent Pappone presented a plan to use a Microsoft ® program called One-Note to provide an avenue for an electronic Board packet and meeting.  The agenda would be set up electronically and sent to board members with links set up on each item.  To view documents related to agenda items, you simply click on links to view attachments.  Pappone would like to implement this program in the next few meetings. 

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m.   Motion carried.
                                        Signed ________________________________
                                                               
Business Manager
                                       

                                        Approved by the Board of Education this 11th day of May, 2009
                                        Signed_________________________________
                                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

April 14, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 14th of April, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, and Renee Ullom.  Absent:  Todd Egge.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of March 9, 2009 and March 23, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  Motion carried.

          The cash report for the month of March, 2009 showed receipts of $2,199,330.77 and disbursements of $2,959,689.00 leaving a balance of $13,909,701.64.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,955,457.98, and disbursements of $1,375,157.32, leaving a balance of $4,643,555.37.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $62,407.61, and disbursements of $143,841.87, leaving a balance of $777,337.05.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $116,729.24, and disbursements of $234,643.51, leaving a balance of $479,531.40.  Pension Fund had receipts of $6,197.37, and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $101,749.18.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $34,976.96 and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $166,173.30.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $23,561.61 and disbursements of $1,206,046.30, leaving a balance of $7,741,355.34.

          The March, 2009 payroll totaled $1,086,592.08, of which $579,868.13 was instructional, $279,285.55 was support services, $29,765.89 was co-curricular, $150,663.48 was Special Education, and $47,009.03 was Food Service.

        Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of March, 2009.  Motion carried.

         Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported on the following:

-          The National School Board Association Convention was recently held in San Diego, California.  He attended several great break-out sessions including sessions on Superintendent Evaluation Instruments, Paperless Board Meetings, “No Excuses, Learning for All”, Response to Intervention (RtI), and How to Relief Stress Through Humor.  Pappone also attended a General Session with Secretary of Education Duncan.  Pappone said that perhaps the most important thing he came away with from this convention was his appreciation of the Brandon Valley School District.

-          Pappone reviewed a 2009-10 funding proposal for Education Service Agency (ESA) 2.  The funding from the state of South Dakota was reduced approximately $425,000 from the previous year.  The proposal suggests that the school districts that participate in ESA 2 help to fund the 2009-10 budget using federal stimulus monies.  Brandon Valley’s share of this funding proposal amounts to $26,759.  Currently the ESA 2 employs six people.  This proposal funds five of those positions.  Although Pappone recommends that we participate, he requested a presentation on this proposal and would like to make a decision on our participation at the April 27, 2009 board of education meeting.

-          Congratulations to the Destination Imagination state tournament teams with two 2nd places, a 3rd place, and a 5th place finish.  Job well done!

          The following Board Policies were given a first reading by the Board of Education:
                GD                           Classified Staff
                GDB                         Classified Staff Compensation Plans
                GDBB                       Classified Staff Supplementary Pay Plans
                GDBD                       Classified Staff Leaves and Absences
                GDG                         Classified Staff Probation and Tenure - Rescind
               
GDL                         Classified Staff Development Opportunities
                GDN                         Evaluation of Support Staff (Also AFD)

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
               
1.      Approve administration recommendations for open enrollments #10-99 through #10-104.
               
2.      Approve low bid for Fred Assam Elementary playground equipment from Crouch Recreational Design, Inc. - $160,785.
               
3.      Approve resolution authorizing membership in the South Dakota High School Activities Association for 2009-10.
               
4.      Approve contract with East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) for school psychological services for 2009-10.
               
5.      Approve Public School Exemption #09-85.
Motion carried.

             Superintendent Pappone requested board approval on several new positions for the 2009-10 school year.  The first request is for a Strength Training Coach.  Pappone and Activities Director Randy Marso spoke to the merits of this position with the upcoming opening of our Activities Center/Weight Room.  Additional positions include High School English and High School Math and/or Science which will increase the staff we need to accommodate a large incoming 9th grade class.  The following positions are for the Special Services Department based on the needs of current students in our district:  .6 FTE Speech/Language Clinician, .5 FTE Teacher for the Deaf/Interpreter, .5 FTE Braille Instructor, .5 FTE Elementary Special Education Teacher, and HS Special Education Educational Assistant.  All the above positions have been included in our current budget projections  

Pappone also requested board approval to move the Curriculum Director from a half-time to a full-time position. He explained that the position was not currently budgeted for and would add an additional $55,000 to a currently projected 2009-10 General Fund deficit of $218,000.  According to our new organizational chart approved by the Board of Education last year, a trigger was set to move from a part-time to a full-time curriculum director as soon as possible.  Pappone feels this is a critical time to increase this position at this time, and it is his recommendation to approve that for the 2009-10 school year.  Much discussion centered on this request versus other personnel needs that are arising in the district along with the implications of this addition to next year’s budget and future budget projections.

 Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following new positions for 2009-10:
               
1.         Strength Training Coach
               
2.         HS English
               
3.         HS Math and/or Science
               
4.         .6 FTE Speech/Language Clinician
               
5.         .5 FTE Teacher for the Deaf/Interpreter
                6.        
.5 FTE Braille Instructor
                7.        
.5 FTE Elementary Special Education Teacher
                8.        
HS Special Education Educational Assistant
                9.        
Curriculum Director from half time to full time
                10.    
.5 FTE Teacher
On a roll call vote, the following voted aye:  Ullom and Rasmussen; nay:  Ode and Bender.  Motion failed.                     

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded Ullom to approve the following new positions for 2009-10:
                1.     
Strength Training Coach
                2.     
HS English
                3.     
HS Math and/or Science
                4.     
.6 FTE Speech/Language Clinician
                5.     
.5 FTE Teacher for the Deaf/Interpreter
                6.     
.5 FTE Braille Instructor
               
7.      .5 FTE Elementary Special Education Teacher
                8.     
HS Special Education Educational Assistant
Motion carried.
 

Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following personnel items:
                1.        
Recommendation to hire Sarah Darling, VSE 1st Grade, BA Step Base - $31,750 – based on 2008-09 hiring schedule.
                2.        
Approve Sarah Darling as long-term substitute for Sara Tiffany, BE Title I Tutor.
                3.        
Approve resignation of Wendy Musch, MS Special Education Educational Assistant, effective 4/14/09.
Motion carried.

         The following transfers, effective with the 2009-10 school year, were reviewed by the Board of Education:
                1.        
Sue Dekker from 4th Grade RBE to 1st Grade RBE.
                2.        
Kory Scholten from 5th Grade RBE to 4th Grade RBE.
                3.        
Bill Freking from 4th Grade RBE to 5th Grade RBE.

           Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
               
1.      March 2009 Building Permits.
               
2.      Thank you from Carla Tinsman for the plant sent for her speedy recovery.
                3.     
Letter from Beth Schaffer regarding class size.
                4.     
Associate School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) Board Report.

           Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – A special meeting was called last week to review some contract information.  Another meeting will be held this week. 

           Buildings and Grounds – Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center. 

           Travel reports were reviewed.

           Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to go into Executive Session at 8:05 p.m. to discuss a contract termination, contract negotiations with the Brandon Valley Education Association (BVEA), and the Superintendent’s contract.  Motion carried.

           The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 8:49 p.m.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to issue a new two year contract (2009-10, 2010-11) for Superintendent Pappone and to increase the Superintendent contract salary by 3.0% for the 2009-10 school year.  Motion carried.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                                Signed:  _______________________________
                                                                       
Business Manager

                                               
Approved by the Board of Education this 11th day of May, 2009.

                                                Signed_________________________________
                                                                        Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

March 23, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 23rd of March, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Assistant Principal Brad Thorson, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried. 

Superintendent David Pappone reviewed the South Dakota Department of Legislative audit approval of the Brandon Valley School District #49-2 June 30, 2008 audit. 

The following Board Policies were reviewed and discussed by the Board of Education:
                GD                            Classified Staff
                GDA                          Classified Staff Positions
                GDB                          Classified Staff Contracts and Compensation Plans
                GDBB                        Classified Staff Supplementary Pay Plans
                GDBC                        Classified Staff Fringe Benefits
                GDBD                        Classified Staff Leaves and Absences
                GDBDA                      Classified Staff Sick Leave
                GDBE                        Classified Staff Vacations and Holidays
                GDBEA                      Unused Vacation for 12 Month Employees
                GDC/GDCA/GDD          Classified Staff Recruiting/Posting of Vacancies/Hiring
                GDG                         Classified Staff Probation and Tenure
                GDI                          Classified Staff Assignments and Transfers
                GDJ                          Classified Staff Time Schedules
                GDL                          Classified Staff Development Opportunities
                GDN                         Evaluation of Support Staff (Also AFD)
                GDO                         Classified Staff Promotions
                GDPA                        Reduction in Classified Staff Work Force
                GDPB                        Resignation of Classified Staff Member
                GDPC                        Retirement of Classified Staff Members
                GDPD                        Suspension and Dismissal of Classified Staff Members

          Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull reported that the committee has reviewed the Houghton-Mifflin K-6 program and is recommending this as the math adoption.  Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve Quam & Berglin – Certified Public Accountants, to perform the June 30, 2009 Certified Audit.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.      Recommendation to hire Marvin Burkman, custodial substitute, $8.50/hour.   
           
2.      Recommendation to hire Gayla Greer, long term substitute at BVHS.
           
3.      Approve resignation from Jamie Brown, Winter Sideline Cheer Coach, contingent upon finding a suitable replacement.
           
4.      Approve resignation from Jeff Duncanson, 9th grade football coach, contingent upon finding a suitable replacement.
           
5.      Approve Early Childhood Student Teaching Agreement with South Dakota State University.  Students Kim House and Laura Hammond will be assigned to Brandon Elementary during the fall semester of 2009.
           
6.      Approve new teaching positions for 2009-10:  General Music, Guidance, Elementary Teacher.
Motion carried.

           The following transfers were reviewed by the Board of Education:
            1.      
Regular classroom elementary teachers for Fred Assam Elementary (transfers):
                    T
ina Feenstra from Brandon Elementary (Kindergarten)
                    Leisa Aanenson from Brandon Elementary (1st grade)
                    Jill Nuebel from Brandon Elementary (1st grade)
                    Shari Sunne from Brandon Elementary (2nd grade)
                    Jamie Brown from Robert Bennis Elementary (2nd grade)
                    Deb Jones from Robert Bennis Elementary (3rd grade)
                    Tyson Metzger from Robert Bennis Elementary (3rd grade)
                    Tara Scholten from Brandon Elementary (4th grade)
                    Peg Reiter from Brandon Elementary (4th grade)
                    Dan Woodle from Brandon Elementary (5th grade)
                    Jon Peters from Brandon Elementary (5th grade)

2.                  Special education teacher for Fred Assam Elementary (transfer):
Dawn Leenderts from Brandon Elementary

3.                  Speech/Language teacher for Fred Assam Elementary (transfer):
Molly Calkins from Brandon Elementary and Brandon Valley Middle School

4.                  Physical education teacher for Fred Assam Elementary (transfer):
Paul Gordon from Valley Springs and Robert Bennis Elementary (will also include .5 PE at VSE)

5.                  Computer teacher for Fred Assam Elementary (transfer):
Brenda Waterbury from Gifted Education (will be .5 computer (each) at FAE and RBE)

6.                  Art:  (transfer) Randy Gibbons (will also include .5 Art at RBE)
       (transfer) Mary Lee (will be at VSE and BE)

7.                  Regular classroom elementary teacher for Valley Springs Elementary (transfer):
Melissa Livingston (change in grade level from 1st grade at Valley Springs Elementary)

8.                  Administrative Assistant for Fred Assam Elementary (transfer):
Debbie Arrowsmith from .5 at RBE to full-time at FAE

Additional changes in assignments:
        9.                 
Anita Shearer will be librarian at BE and VSE.
       
10.              Amy DeNomme will be librarian at RBE and FAE.
       
11.              Gingi Hanson will be general music at FAE and VSE.
       
12.              Del Hubers will be band at BE, FAE, and RBE.
       
13.              Patti Nelson will be elementary orchestra at all four elementary buildings.

           Communications received by the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
       
1.      Thank you from Mary Jane Melcher and Vernon, Michele & Devon Dandurand for the bouquet in honor of their husband, father-in-law, father and grandfather Robert “Bob” Melcher.

         Board reports were heard.  Transportation – Renee Ullom reported on a recent Transportation meeting.  Items discussed included Fred Assam start times as well as transportation to and from the new school, making sure that the commitment is kept to parents regarding older siblings being home for the younger students that will be arriving from FAE.  The committee also reviewed school zone and safe-passage zones in regard to what is considered “in-town” routes in that area.  Lastly, they reviewed bus driver safety courses and some programs that will be available in the summer for our drivers.  Transportation safety continues to be our highest priority.

         Alternative Education – Jean Bender discussed a recent meeting with East Dakota Education Cooperative (EDEC) where they discussed the Career Link Program, a program that sets up career opportunities for students including internships, job-shadowing, etc.  They heard how different schools are using this program to meet the needs of their students.  The program has been very well received.

         Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center. 

           City Affairs & Legislation – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on legislative issues.  He reported that we were fortunate that K-12 education, due to the Federal Stimulus Package, will be able to fill most of the budget holes. 

           Child Nutrition/Wellness Committee – One more reminder that the Brandon Valley Health Fair is scheduled for tomorrow, March 24, 2009, starting at 3:00 p.m. in the High School Gym and Commons.

           Travel reports were reviewed.

            Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to go into Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. to discuss reduction in staff and a contract non-renewal.

            The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 7:35 p.m.

            Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to not renew the contract of Julie Forbes due to a reduction in force.  Motion carried.

            Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to not renew the contract of Anne Shelton.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m.   Motion carried.

                    Signed ___________________________________
                                               
Business Manager

          Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of April, 2009.
           
                            
Signed___________________________________
                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

March 9, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 9th of March, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson, and Operations Manager Todd Williams. 

Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve the minutes of the regular meetings of February 9, 2009 and February 23, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  Motion carried. 

          The cash report for the month of February, 2009 showed receipts of $1,320,036.87 and disbursements of $2,695,310.11 leaving a balance of $14,670,059.87.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,121,765.85, and disbursements of $1,469,099.50, leaving a balance of $4,063,254.71.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $20,602.13, and disbursements of $135,634.46, leaving a balance of $858,771.31.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $142,404.09, and disbursements of $218,996.60, leaving a balance of $597,445.67.  Pension Fund had receipts of $2,052.92, and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $95,551.81.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $12,020.91 and disbursements of $0 leaving a balance of $131,196.34.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $21,190.97 and disbursements of $871,579.55 leaving a balance of $8,923,840.03.

            The February, 2009 payroll totaled $1,141,135.50, of which $583,434.15 was instructional, $309,455.16 was support services, $30,924.62 was co-curricular, $162,115.18 was Special Education, and $55,206.39 was Food Service.

           Motion by Egge seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of February, 2009.  Motion carried.

           Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported on the following:

-          Destination Imagination teams recently competed in the SE Regional Tournament in Tri-Valley and received the following awards:  Robert Bennis Elementary - second place along with a da Vinci award; Brandon Elementary – first place; Middle School – first place; High School – second place.  All four teams will compete in the State Tournament on April 4th.  In addition, MS Team Manager, Anastasia Quanbeck earned the Renaissance Award and has been named “regional team manager of the year”.  Pappone offered his congratulations and good luck to Jessica Simmons, BVSD Destination Imagination Coordinator, and all four teams as they move to the next round of competition.

-          BVHS Instructor, Patrick Donelan provided Pappone information on the 2025 Career Tech Education updates that he received at a recent conference he attended.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following general business items:
            1.     
Approve recommendation to accept Change Order #1 for the BVHS Gymnasium and Classroom Addition - $78,421.
            2.     
Accept low bid for floor covering removal and replacement from School Specialty - $64,710.00
            3.     
Approve open enrollments: #10-56, 10-80, 10-81, 10-84, 10-85, 10-86, and 10-87.  Deny open enrollment #10-82.
            4.     
Approve recommendation to purchase the following programs from East Dakota Educational Cooperative for the 2009-10 school year:
                            Occupational Therapy (254 days)              $103,405
                            Physical Therapy                                     102,793
                            Transition Advantage (10 slots)                  138,000
                            High Impact/Career Academy
                               (Remain at current level of 15 slots)           81,345
                            Membership Dues                                       5,000
                                                                 Total              $430,543

            5.     
Approve 2010-11 School District calendar as presented by Superintendent Pappone.
            6.     
Approve District participation in a community coalition applying for a 2009 Drug-Free Communities Grant.
Motion carried.
 

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.   Approve the following substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:  Keiza Daggitt, Cody Miller, Deborah Passick, and Janice Walker.
Motion carried.

           Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
1.      February 2009 Building Permits.

           Board reports were heard.  Buildings and Grounds – Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center. 

           City Affairs & Legislation – Rasmussen reviewed the Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASBSD) review of the 2009 South Dakota Legislature.

           Child Nutrition/Wellness – Bender reminded all that the Health Fair is scheduled for March 24, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the High School.

           Travel reports were reviewed.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to go into Executive Session at 6:58 p.m. to discuss a real estate acquisition and a personnel matter.

           The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 7:46 p.m.

           Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 p.m.   Motion carried.         

                 Signed ___________________________________
                                               
Business Manager

          Approved by the Board of Education this 14th day of April, 2009.
           
                           
Signed___________________________________
                                                Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

February 23, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 23rd of February, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, Activities Director Randy Marso, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, Robert Bennis Elementary Principal Karen Heyden, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, and Special Services Director Lyn Heidenson. 

President Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried. 

Jeff Eckhoff, Minnehaha County Economic Development Director, presented a proposed Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) District in the Corson Industrial Park – 80 Acres.   A TIF is an economic development tool available to communities and counties.  In general it utilizes the property taxes being paid by a new or expanding business to pay for improvements and/or incentives that may benefit the community and/or the company.  TIF’s are not a tax break for the company but are used to encourage development in areas that need infrastructure improvements and/or to provide an incentive to companies that the community or county is trying to encourage locating or expanding in their area.  A public hearing regarding the creation of this TIF will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Brandon Council Chambers at 308 Main Avenue, Brandon on March 5, 2009.

 Superintendent David Pappone recognized Brandon Valley High School Junior James Burkman, and Brandon Valley High School Instructor Steve Boint, for their research and subsequent publishing of their findings in “Selenology Today.”  Pappone also recognized the award received by the City of Brandon provided by “BusinessWeek” state by state, as the third best affordable suburb in the United States for 2009 that offer the lowest crime rate, finest schools, and best quality of life for the dollar.   

Curriculum Director, Tanya Czepull, presented the Math Curriculum Committee report and recommendation.  After piloting the Everyday Math series, the recommendation brought tonight is for a traditional math series.  Most likely, this program will be Houghton Mifflin, but the teachers would like a little more time to look at that again since they haven’t seen it for about a year and to make sure it still aligns with what we want.  Along with this, the committee would like to also recommend that it is mandatory for all teachers K-5th grade and for 6th grade math teachers to participate in an inquiry or cognitive guided instruction based class within the next two years.  Final recommendation with be forthcoming. 

The following Board Policies were given second reading by the Board of Education:
                GCAB-R           Job Description-Operations Manager
                GCEA              Substitute Professional Staff
                GCJ                Professional Staff Time Schedules
Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve these policies as presented.  Motion carried.

Due to Fred Assam Elementary opening in the fall of 2009 and the subsequent new elementary boundaries having been set, many “between schools” open enrollment applications have been received.   Superintendent Pappone presented these open enrollments for the board’s review with a recommendation for  40 approvals and 5 denials.  These open enrollments do not include any Kindergarten open enrollments.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the open enrollment application recommendations as presented by Superintendent Pappone.  Motion carried.              

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.  
Approve Grant Agreement – Governor Round’s Grant Awards School Health.
Motion carried.

           Motion by Ullom, seconded by Rasmussen to approve the following personnel items:
            1.     
Approve Autism Specialist Job Description.
            2.     
Approve the following substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:  Mark T. Sandager, Cathijo McGee.
Motion carried.
 

          Communications received by the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
Thank you from Scot and Kendra Namanny for the plant sent for their daughter, Marrillya, born on January 27, 2009.

         Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Jean Bender reported on a recent board meeting at East Dakota Educational Cooperative (EDEC) where they were given a presentation on the Transition Advantage Program at EDEC.

         Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center.   

          City Affairs & Legislation – Jay Rasmussen updated the Board of Education on legislative issues.

          Personnel Welfare – Gregg Ode stated that negotiations will begin after this year’s legislative session ends.

         Travel reports were reviewed. 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                                      Signed ___________________________________
                                                                           
Business Manager

                                             Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of March, 2009
                                                     
                                                     
Signed____________________________________
                                                                            Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

February 9, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 9th of February, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Assistant Middle School Principal Randy Hill, Valley Springs Elementary Principal Tanya Czepull, and Operations Manager Todd Williams. 

Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

        Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 13, 2009 and January 26, 2009 as presented.  Motion carried. 

        Kevin Thelen and Barb Fish from the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce spoke to the Board of Education about hosting a “Holiday Basketball Tournament”.  This was a tournament that used to be held in Sioux Falls with area High School teams.  January 2, 2010 was a date that has been considered and they are proposing using the new facility for this tournament.  They are in the preliminary stages of planning this event and were looking for the support of the Board of Education.  The Board of Education will take this request under consideration. 

        Gary Schweitzer and Jayne Knochenmus spoke to the Board of Education concerning their fundraising efforts for the new soccer complex located at McHardy Park.  The Association’s request was for $100,000 from the Brandon Valley School District.

        Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  Motion carried.

        The cash report for the month of January, 2009 showed receipts of $1,413,177.27 and disbursements of $2,715,791.39 leaving a balance of $16,045,333.11.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,174,035.04, and disbursements of $1,416,030.01, leaving a balance of $4,410,588.36.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $31,195.66, and disbursements of $348,334.25, leaving a balance of $973,803.64.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $161,791.58, and disbursements $193,834.17, leaving a balance of $674,038.18.  Pension Fund had receipts of $2,964.77, and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $93,498.89.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $17,491.59 and disbursements of $7,166.25 leaving a balance of $119,175.43.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $25,698.63 and disbursements of $750,426.71 leaving a balance of $9,774,228.61. 

        The January, 2009 payroll totaled $1,015,971.75, of which $569,030.05 was instructional, $258,368.16 was support services, $26,808.47 was co-curricular, $130,209.22 was Special Education, and $31,555.85 was Food Service.

         Motion by Ullom seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of January, 2009.  Motion carried. 

        Board Member Todd Egge informed the Administration and community of a scholarship opportunity for High School seniors that is offered by the South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships.  Brandon Valley High School counselors will have application materials and information.

         Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone reported on the following:
        -         
Comparable land sales in the southwest portion of the Brandon Valley School District.
        -          Review of the South Dakota student height and weight report from the 2007-08 school year as prepared by the South Dakota Department of Health.
        -         
Review of the 2007-08 Brandon Valley School District data profile as prepared by the ESA (Education Service Agency) – Region 2.
        -         
Appointments to the area Equalization Boards:  Meeting dates and times are yet to be determined.
        o       
Brandon – Jay Rasmussen
      
    o        Splitrock Township – Gregg Ode
        o       
Valley Springs – Renee Ullom

         Curriculum Director Tanya Czepull reported on the parent meeting held last week concerning the math adoption.  The meeting was held for three reasons:  1) Controversy on the piloted program – “Everyday Math” and a way to let our parents have their voices heard; 2) Review the curriculum process; and 3) Clear up any misconceptions about the proposed program.  The Math committee will be meeting again next week. 

The following Board Policies were given a first reading by the Board of Education:
          GCAB-R                   Job Description – District Operations Manager
          GCEA                      Substitute Professional Staff
          GCJ                        Professional Staff Time Schedules

          Business Manager Paul Lundberg reviewed the Brandon Valley School District’s 2009-14 Five Year Plan.  This plan can be viewed in its entirety through the District web-site at www.brandonvalleyschools.com on the Business Office tab.

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
         
1.   Recommendation to accept a change order submitted by Husman Construction for the Valley Springs Elementary structural investigation and repair of the 1922 building:  +$15,098.00.
Motion carried. 

          Motion by Ullom, seconded by Egge to approve the following personnel items:
         1.     
Approve the following substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:  Abbey Berens, Valerie Larson-Holmes, and Danielle Loosbrock.
         2.     
Approve retirement/resignation from Rita Korbal, Valley Springs Elementary – 3rd Grade, effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year.
         3.     
Approve retirement/resignation from Bill Dickey, Brandon Valley High School Custodian, effective June 19, 2009.
         4.     
Approve recommendation to hire Jim A. Houg, Transportation substitute.
Motion carried.

         Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
       
 1.      January 2009 Building Permits.
        
2.      Thank you from Bridgette French-Harbison for the plant sent for her speedy recovery.
        
3.      Maternity leave request from Leah Lockner beginning on or about April 7, 2009.

         Board reports were heard.  Buildings and Grounds – Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition and Activities Center. 

         Student Activities, Curriculum & Technology – Ullom thanked everyone that attended the math parent meeting last week and believes that whatever decision is made will be the best decision for the students of the Brandon Valley School District.

         Child Nutrition/Wellness – Bender reminded all that the Health Fair is scheduled for March 24, 2009.

         Safety – Egge informed the Board of Education that the bus stop on Highway 42 and Powderhouse Road has been changed due to safety concerns.

         Travel reports were reviewed.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to go into Executive Session at 8:27 p.m. to discuss Superintendent Pappone’s evaluation.

         The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 9:49 p.m.

         Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                                Signed__________________________________
                                                                       
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of March, 2009.

                                                Signed__________________________________
                                                                        Chairperson

 BACK TO TOP

January 26, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 26th of January, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, and Todd Egge.  Absent:  Jean Bender, Renee Ullom.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott,

          Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Vice President Jay Rasmussen called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion carried.

 The following Board Policies were discussed by the Board of Education:

GCA                Professional Staff Positions
GCAA-R           Job Description-Business Manager
GCAB-R           Job Description-Operations Manager
GCAC-R           Job Description-Curriculum Director
GCAD-R           Job Description-Special Services Director
GCAE-R            Job Description-Principal
GCAF-R            Job Description-Assistant Principal
GCAG-R           Job Description-Activities Director
GCAH-R           Job Description-Teacher
GCB                Professional Staff Contacts and Compensation Plans
GCB-E             Teacher Contract Form
GCBA              Professional Staff Hiring Schedules
GCBB              Professional Staff Supplementary Pay Plans
GCBC               Professional Staff Fringe Benefits
GCBD              Professional Staff Leaves and Absences
GCC                Professional Staff Recruiting
GCD                Professional Staff Hiring
GCDB              Employee Criminal Background Check
GCE                 Part-time Professional Staff Employment
GCEA               Substitute Professional Staff
GCEB               Substitute Teacher In-Service
GCG                Professional Staff Employment Status
GCG-E              Professional Staff Employment Status Notices
GCG-R             Professional Staff Probation and Tenure-Hearing Procedures
GCG-R(1)         Response to Non-renewal Decisions
GCI                 Professional Staff Assignments and Transfers
GCJ                 Professional Staff Time Schedules
GCK                Professional Staff Work Load
GCL                 Professional Staff Development Opportunities
GCN                Evaluation of Professional Staff (Also AFC)
GCPA               Reduction in Professional Staff Work Force
GCPB               Resignation of Professional Staff Members
GCPC               Retirement of Professional Staff Members
GCPD               Suspension and Dismissal of Professional Staff Members
GCQAB            Tutoring for Pay       

         The 6/30/2008 draft audit was presented by Dwight Berglin from Quam & Berglin, Certified Public Accountants.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the draft audit as presented.  Motion carried.

          Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the following general business items:
           
1.   Approve using state of South Dakota accreditation process, discontinuing the AdvanceEd (formerly known as North Central Accreditation or NCA) process.
           
2.   Accept lowest responsible bid for classroom furnishings for Fred Assam Elementary School from Brown & Saenger - $392,516.41.
Motion carried.

           Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve the following personnel items:
            1.     
Approve resignation of Allen Hogie, 9th grade boys football coach, contingent upon finding a suitable replacement.
            2.     
Approve the following substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:  Allison Maurer, Monica Williams, Michelle Heisel, Debra Wright (nurse only), and Kari Kraayenbrink.
            3.      Approve half-year lane changes for the following employees:
                    Kristin Hofkamp             BA to BA+15
                    Karen Kluin                   MA to MA+15
                    Randy Megard               MA to MA+15
Motion carried.

           Communications received by the Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
            1.     
Maternity leave request from Michelle Stemwedel on or about April 12, 2009.
            2.     
Good news letter from Tracie Ode regarding the results of the MRI her daughter Amanda recently had in Minneapolis.  Amanda is tumor and cancer free.

                 Board reports were heard.  Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, the High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center. 

          Student Activities, Curriculum & Technology – Gregg Ode reported on the “Everyday Math” adoption.  There will be a public meeting on February 2, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Brandon Elementary Carpeted Gym. 

          City Affairs & Legislation – Dave Pappone reminded everyone that Brandon day at the legislature in Pierre is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, 2009. 

          Child Nutrition/Wellness Committee –  Jay Rasmussen reminded everyone that the Health Fair is scheduled for March 24, 2009. 

          Safety – Todd Egge reported on a safety/transportation concern regarding a transportation stop on Highway 42 and Powderhouse Road that he will be following up on with the Transportation Director. 

          Travel reports were reviewed. 

          Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to adjourn the meeting at 7:05 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                         Signed _______________________________
                                                           
Business Manager

                                       
Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of February, 2009

                                       
Signed_________________________________
                                                            Chairperson

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January 12, 2009

The regular meeting of the Brandon Valley Board of Education, Brandon, SD was held at 6:30 p.m. on the 13th of January, 2009 at the Brandon Valley Middle School Media Center with the following members present:  Jean Bender, Jay Rasmussen, Gregg Ode, Renee Ullom, and Todd Egge.  Absent:  None.  Also present were Superintendent David Pappone, Business Manager Paul J. Lundberg, High School Principal Gregg Talcott, Middle School Principal Dan Pansch, Brandon Elementary Principal Merle Horst, and Operations Manager Todd Williams.

 Jean Bender called the regular meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Bender began the meeting by congratulating Middle School Principal Dan Pansch with the honor of having the annual BV Lynx Wrestling Invitational now named in his honor as the Dan Pansch Wrestling Invitational.  Pansch started this wrestling invitational 25 years ago and has not missed once since!  Bender thanked him for the many ways that he serves the Brandon Valley School District.

 Motion by Ode, seconded by Egge to approve the agenda as revised.  Motion carried. 

          Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 8, 2008 as presented.  Motion carried.

          At tonight’s meeting, there were several patrons in attendance in anticipation of the discussion of a change in bleacher system to accommodate chair back seating in the new activities center.  Tom Brown spoke in favor of chair back seating.  He feels this is a benefit to our community and does not feel this is a luxury item, especially in light of the fact that the whole project is under budget. 

        Jim Heinitz recalled his time on the Brandon Valley School board when we were building the Performing Arts Center.  There were several “additional” items such as the grid system, rigging, orchestra pit, etc., that he did not initially agree that we needed at that time.  In the end, he voted in favor of these changes and has never regretted his decision.  He felt that in the long run, it was the right thing to do.  It has made BV’s Performing Arts Center the envy of all around the state.  He also compared this with the Augustana College Elmen Center; the seats were not put in and they have since regretted that decision.  Heinitz feels that as long as the project is staying within budget, that the Board should be looking at not only what is right to do now, but what is right to do down the road.  Heintz believes that what is right for this facility is to approve this change.

        Wayne Allen has been sitting in the bleachers as a coach, parent and now a grandparent for a number of years.  He feels this is not a frill and would like to see it done now, before it is too late.

        Marcie Stoltenberg also favors putting chair backs on the bleachers.  She and her husband have been LYNX fans for many years and are now watching their grandsons.  She mentioned that it is hard to see when positioned behind a person with a portable stadium seat. 

        Colleen Lunstra spoke against the proposal.  Colleen was on the Bond Issue committee and she views the chair backs as a luxury item.  She is concerned about the loss of approximately 200 seats if this proposal is approved.  She suggested using a fundraiser to rent stadium seats for those that need the backs.  She feels that the narrow margin by which we passed this bond was due to the Activities Center and those that thought a new gym was unnecessary.  She doesn’t feel that people want to see their tax money go to this type of thing. 

        Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Egge to approve the bills and claims as submitted (see attached).  Motion carried. 

        The cash report for the month of December, 2008 showed receipts of $2,886,796.98 and disbursements of $4,147,412.20 leaving a balance of $17,347,947.23.  The General Fund had receipts of $1,669,291.41, and disbursements of $1,346,959.68, leaving a balance of $4,652,583.33.  Capital Outlay Fund had receipts of $506,826.03, and disbursements of $75,072.10, leaving a balance of $1,290,942.23.  Special Education Fund had receipts of $342,749.40, and disbursements $206,780.06, leaving a balance of $706,080.77.  Pension Fund had receipts of $48,912.66, and disbursements of $0, leaving a balance of $90,534.12.  Bond Redemption Fund had receipts of $291,266.33 and disbursements of $1,032,861.90 leaving a balance of $108,850.09.  Capital Projects Fund had receipts of $27,751.15 and disbursements of $1,485,738.46 leaving a balance of $10,498,956.69. 

        The December, 2008 payroll totaled $1,068,137.72, of which $573,679.41 was instructional, $275,052.18 was support services, $26,872.13 was co-curricular, $147,587.27 was Special Education, and $44,946.73 was Food Service. 

        Business Manager Lundberg discussed in depth the Child Nutrition financial statement as of 12/31/2008.  The report shows a $52,000 loss in the Child Nutrition Department versus a projected $25,000 loss.  He stated he has been closely tracking this fund over the last three months (meeting with the Administration) and is concerned with the trend showing a larger than projected loss.  The Administration directly involved with the Food Service fund assures the expenditures are being monitored.  Lundberg stated that a mid-year price increase for meals will need to be looked at as a possibility for additional revenue generation for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year.  President Jean Bender said the Child Nutrition Committee will be meeting in the near future to review information and alternatives.

        Motion by Egge seconded by Ode to approve the financial reports as presented for the month of December, 2008.  Motion carried. 

        Administrative reports were heard.  Superintendent David Pappone recognized School Board Recognition Week and presented each board member with a certificate of appreciation.  Secondly, Pappone reported that he had established an elementary principal hiring committee in December.  After an advertisement was posted, we had 36 applicants for the Fred Assam Elementary Principal position.  The committee consisted of Pappone, the three existing elementary principals, and one teacher from each of the elementary schools.  A recommendation is being made tonight, Susan Foster, an elementary principal from Groton.  Lastly, Pappone distributed a new Superintendent evaluation instrument to the Board of Education.  Bender asked that each board member complete this evaluation and turn it into her by the next board meeting, January 26th.  She will compile the results and the Board as a whole will meet with Superintendent Pappone in executive session the first board meeting in February to go over the results.

         Business Manager Paul Lundberg presented the 2007-08 per pupil expenditure data as reported by the South Dakota Department of Education.  BV spends $5,168/student General Funds and $5,978/student General, Special Education, and Pension Funds combined.  This ranks 157th out of 160 total school districts in the state of South Dakota in terms of the least costs per student.  According to Lundberg, the report continues to show BV operates at a high efficiency level.  BV is maintaining a fiscally responsible school district living “within our means”.  With additional facilities and growth, BV efficiencies will become more difficult to achieve.

         High School Principal Gregg Talcott discussed several upcoming high school events:
        -                     
Mid-year graduation is Wednesday, January 21, 2009 in the Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m.
        -                     
“Feed my Starving Children” service event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2009.
        -                     
High School semester tests are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.
        -                     
Incoming freshmen (class of 2013) orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

        Talcott also spoke on the chair back seating issue.  He stated that he and Activities Director Randy Marso will support any decision that they board makes on this issue.  However, they have concerns if this is the best use of the funds.  He also expressed concerns that both he and Mr. Marso have that the chair back seating is only on the home side and not on the visitor’s side as well. 

The following Board Policies were given a second reading by the Board of Education:
            GBA                       Equal Opportunity Employment
            GBE                       Staff Health and Safety
            GBEB                     Employee Communicable Diseases
            GBEC                     Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs by Employees
            GBM-E                   Grievance Report Form
Motion by Egge, seconded by Ullom to approve these Board Policies as presented.  Motion carried.

           Business Manager Paul Lundberg discussed findings and a recommendation from the Health Insurance Review Committee.  This ad hoc committee was formed approximately a year ago with a major goal being to contain health care costs.  A partial self-funding of our deductible plan raises the deductible we currently have with Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, therefore reducing the premium we pay to BCBS.  Although we would raise the deductible, the difference in that deductible would be “self-funded” by the Brandon Valley School District, therefore BV employees should see little or no change in what their out of pocket maximum costs would be.  Motion by Egge, seconded by Rasmussen to authorize Business Manager Paul Lundberg to pursue partial self-funding of deductibles for the Brandon Valley School District’s insurance plan.  Motion carried.

           Gregg Ode spoke to the Board of Education in favor of approving a change to the bleacher understructure in the new Activities Center to accommodate chair back seating.  He thanked the many patrons for their opinions and thoughts shared with him on this issue.   Ode explained that we don’t even know yet what we may be able to host 5, 10 or even 15 years from now.  He feels that by completing step one - the understructure for chair back seating - we will make Brandon a more attractive place for future events.  According to Ode, we should be looking to the future and be visionary by approving this change.  We want to do this right the first time.

Todd Egge spoke to Brandon Valley’s architect, Steve Jastram.  Todd learned that there are a lot of numbers that go into a bleacher arrangement.  There are the number of inches per row, what’s been done in the past, what this new event center has, and what you can gain and loose.  He asked, “Do you have to have seat backs all on one row all the way up?” He learned, no you don’t.  You don’t have to do every single row, you can do six rows or eight rows.  Egge feels that this is part of what got lost when two sides got formed on the issue.  Jastram explained to him that there are a number of variables when you are discussing this type of seating, and Egge believes we should approve this change so that we don’t limit our options when it comes to our new gym seating.

 Renee Ullom asked what the “total cost” is for the chair back seating?  She also asked what the comfort level of these seating arrangements is as it relates to personal space, i.e., how big are the seat backs (inch-wise) and how do they accommodate the average person?  Some BV patrons that she talked to suggested that “excess” money be used for something more aligned with our core operating principal.  Such items included: a fully equipped weight room with a strength training coach along with the option of this weight room being available and staffed for all our students to use in off hours as well; additional surveillance cameras; making the high school wireless for those students that may have their own laptops or to provide laptops for all high school students in the future; modernize other classrooms in the high school, i.e., life skills room, science rooms; convert the Brandon Elementary carpet gym to a wood floor; portable seating to be checked out as a fundraiser for different groups; and an updated concession stand.

Jay Rasmussen began by answering some of the questions that had been presented.  He said that the concession area at the high school is being remodeled under the current bond issue.  As far as the partial seating that Mr. Egge mentioned, Rasmussen stated that “there is no partial to the seat backs, if we change the undercarriage, it is my understanding that we loose the 196 seats, so there is no partial option”.  Rasmussen has been fascinated by the passion of both sides on this issue.  Everyone is passionate for the right reasons and he commended all for their passion on this issue.  However, there does have to be a “yes” or “no” on this issue.   He stated that the bleachers in the new facility will be 26” spacing as opposed to the current gym seating at 24”.  Total cost of understructure and backs, according to Mr. Rasmussen, would be approximately $79,500.  Sideline clearance will be reduced to less than two feet and we will loose 196 seats.  The Bond Promotion Committee stated that there would be standard “bleacher type” seating.  The bond issue did pass on the first vote, but only by a narrow margin, and he believes excess monies could be used to pay down the debt.  Rasmussen believes that trust may become a factor in future bond issues.

Jean Bender stated that she fielded more calls on this issue than any other issue while she has been on the School Board.  She understands both sides and feels very strongly that this is the public’s money and feels as a board, we must stand by our word.  She feels when the project is complete and we know where we stand financially, one very viable option that she will want us to look at is returning public money that might be left.  She doesn’t think she will be sitting on the board when there is another bond election, but doesn’t want to be the person that is responsible for saddling the board that has to bring the next bond to the public with a good argument that we played bait and switch and that we authorized things that could have resulted in loosing this bond election.        

Motion by Egge, seconded by Ode to approve a change to the bleacher understructure on the home side in the new Activities Center to accommodate chair back seating.  On a roll call vote, the following voted aye:  Egge and Ode; nay:  Rasmussen, Ullom, Bender.  Motion failed.          

          Motion by Ullom, seconded by Ode to approve the following general business items:
            1.  
Approve annual School Board Election date for June 16, 2009.
           
2.   Approve change order #1 for Fred Assam Elementary School: +$22,597.00.
           
3.   Approve change of 2009-10 school calendar to move fall Parent/Teacher conference dates to October 5th (High School) and October 6th (Elementary and Middle School).
           
4.   Approve authorization to purchase 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan through the state of South Dakota vehicle bid – contract #15542.  Cost - $21,190.00. 
Motion carried.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to approve the following personnel items:
           
1.      Approve the following substitutes for the 2008-09 school year:  Dale Hieb, Chan Masselink, Katie Knock, Bev Deutsch, Todd P. Alberty, Karel Amend, Zach Johnson, and Megan Deaver.
           
2.      Approve resignation from Stacy Sonju, RBE Educational Assistant, effective December 5, 2008.
           
3.      Approve recommendation to hire Christine Dieters, RBE Educational Assistant, $10.50/hour, effective December 15, 2008.
           
4.      Approve recommendation to hire Sandra Breitzman, CNS Substitute.
           
5.      Approve Margie Hanson’s request for unpaid leave April 1–6, 2009 and May 13-15, 2009.
           
6.      Approve recommendation to hire Susan Foster, Fred Assam Elementary Principal (2009-10), $67,500.
Motion carried.

          Communications received by the Central Office and Board of Education were reviewed.  They included the following items:
           
1.      December 2008 Building Permits.
           
2.      Note and gift from John & Cheryl Peterson for the Brandon Valley MS Backpack Program.
           
3.      Thank you from Gregg Talcott and family for the plant sent in memory of his father, Don Talcott.
           
4.      Thank you from Todd Geerdes and family for the flowers sent following his recent surgery.
            5.     
Maternity leave request from Sara Tiffany beginning on or about May 2nd through the end of the school year.

         Board reports were heard.  Alternative Education – Jean Bender reported that the East Dakota Educational Cooperative met in December and have extended Director Dan Goodwin’s contract for one year.  She also heard a presentation on a new program called “Project Lead the Way”, which is new way of providing some engineering type skills in the high school.    

         Buildings and Grounds – Jay Rasmussen reported on the progress of current construction projects at Fred Assam Elementary, High School Classroom Addition, and the High School Activities Center. 

         Travel reports were reviewed.

         Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ode to go into Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. to discuss contract issues related to real estate acquisition.

          The Board of Education came out of Executive Session and into Open session at 9:20 p.m.

           Motion by Rasmussen, seconded by Ullom to adjourn the meeting at 9:21 p.m.   Motion carried.

                                        Signed __________________________________
                                                           
Business Manager

 Approved by the Board of Education this 9th day of February, 2009.

                                        Signed___________________________________
                                                            Chairperson

 

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