St. Mary’s School Board Minutes

December 15, 2006

Guests: Paula Atkeson

Board Vice President Gene Soukup called the meeting to order, and Father Nigli began with an opening prayer. Board Members present included Lawrence Reiman, Merri Schneider, John Boyle, Gene Soukup, Luann Shields and Sharon Spencer and Dian Edwards, along with Norm Hale, Father Nigli and Alice Marx, with Janet Fletcher and Melvin Ohri being absent.

Dian Edwards made a motion to approve the agenda as amended, and Sharon Spencer seconded the motion. Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

After review of the minutes of the November 8, 2006 meeting, Lawrence Reiman made a motion to approve the minutes, and John Boyle seconded. Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

Paula Atkeson was introduced and asked to speak. She provided a handout of the proposed high school schedule for the 2007-2008 school year. A short discussion was held regarding the schedule and she informed the Board that this was only a preliminary plan, that there will likely be several changes before the final schedule is determined.

Pastor’s Report:

· Father Nigli reported that the elementary Christmas Program will be held on Tuesday, December 19. He stated that he would like to make sure that the program has a good “family” feel, with the audience joining in on some songs, and to have a social afterwards. Dian Edwards suggested that the School Board will host the social, and she would order cookies and cold drinks for the program. Motion by Dian Edwards, second by Luann Shields. Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

· Father asked the board to review the current budget and also some comparison figures between St. Mary’s and other Catholic schools. Discussion was held regarding reviewing teachers salaries. Father mentioned that stewardship promises have not been fulfilled, which has made it difficult to follow through with the 2% increase of base pay which was budgeted for this year. Alice Marx also discussed the method in which other schools pay insurance. It was decided to leave our insurance as is.

· Father also reported that the campaign is underway. It is a faith operation, we will see what the outcome is in a couple of weeks.

· A group is working on the plans for Catholic Schools Week at this time, and will have a report for the next Board Meeting.

Principal’s Report:

I. Diocesan Planning Sheet – Mr. Hale reviewed the planning schedule that the Archdiocese sets for school principals. All of the pieces are in place and/or completed, so we are on schedule. The Wellness Plan is the only thing to be completed, and they are working on this plan.

II. Academic Report (Basic Curriculum Overview) – Will begin using the Saxon Math program in K-6 grades next year. This will provide consistency and improve our math program because Saxon is a widely used curriculum. Mr. Hale also reported that we are looking to fill a technology position and has a person in mind. He also congratulated the One-Acts team for making it to State Competition, and commended the team on their progression with the play from the Conference Competition performance.

III. School Climate – Mr. Hale stated that they are working on students regarding some actions that have been taken. All situations regarding student actions are being handled in a timely manner.

IV. Teacher Evaluations – These will be underway in the next semester, and Mr. Hale will give an updated report in the upcoming meetings.

V. North Central Accreditation (External Team) – Nothing to report at this time.

VI. School Lunch Inspection – This inspection was held on November 14 & 15. Mr. Hale reviewed the response from the inspection, and stated that all regulatory areas are being met, and the inspection went very well.

VII. Sweatshirt Designs – The Booster Club met and agreed to sponsor a contest to develop a new logo for the Cardinal. More details will follow in an upcoming meeting.

VIII. TANN – Mr. Hale gave an update on the TANN Academy plans for the upcoming school year. There will be more class offerings for high school juniors and seniors, which will allow them dual credit (high school and college) for technology classes, with no college tuition costs. Mr. Bahrij is scheduled to teach again for these classes, both semesters.

IX. Writing Program – The school is adopting a new STEP UP to Writing program, which the teachers are very excited about. This is a program for the elementary students which will build their writing skills. The teachers will attend a couple of required sessions to learn about the program.

X. Discussion on Committee Reports – Mr. Hale is in the process of forming North Central Reading, Writing and Math Committees.

XI. Early School Closures – School will be closing at 1:30 p.m. on the days in which the teachers need to attend the mandatory training for the STEP UP to Writing program.

XII. Wellness Policy – As previously mentioned, this policy is being revised and will have more information later.

XIII. Approval of Policy 7000, 8000 & 9000 – Discussion was held regarding these policies, and we will review them again and update for next year.

Sharon Spencer said that she had been approached by Lois Shaffer regarding St. Mary’s hosting the Missoula Children’s Theatre for next year. In the past, St. Mary’s had been a host during the springtime when the high school gym was not in use for sports practices. Sharon will contact Tony Allen to see if we would have a clear schedule, in order to accommodate the request.

Merri Schneider asked for clarification regarding the $3,700 donation from Torpin’s Rodeo Market. The money has been given to Home & School, and they ordered a new Smart Board with the funds. Norm Hale will ensure that Home & School lines up some publicity for the donor.

Sharon Spencer made a motion to go into Executive Session, and Luann Shields seconded.

Motion was made by Lawrence Reiman, second by Luann Shields to come out of Executive Session. There was no further business, and the meeting was adjourned with a motion by Luann Shields, and a closing prayer led by Father Nigli.