ITEM #1 – CALL TO ORDER

President Brevik called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. Ms. Brevik, Mr. Horvath, Dr. Jones, Mr. Patterson, Mr. Seiter, and Mr. Short were all present, along with Dr. Barter. Ms. Paulson arrived at 5:11 p.m.

Mr. Patterson made a motion to approve the agenda as presented, which was seconded by Dr. Jones and unanimously approved.

ITEM #2 – REPORT

ITEM #2A – REPORT FROM BOARD CONSULTANT

President Brevik explained that in July 2005 the board commissioned Mr. Robert Tschirki to look into the district’s policies and procedures. Mr. Tschirki was introduced and he explained what the actual charge to him was. He was engaged to conduct an independent review of the administrative processes related to hiring, retaining, terminating, and/or non-renewal of licensed personnel for the purpose of identifying opportunities to create efficiencies and improve processes.

Mr. Tschirki went through his report, which is attached. He mentioned that the district’s policies were exceptional and suggested some language clarification. Overall, trust and communication were the key elements of his report. His recommendations included the following:

Ensure an open, inviting environment. Trust is an essential ingredient to a healthy learning environment.
Communicate and clarify the concept of policy governance.
Ensure understanding regarding the role of any district or superintendent committee and adhere to it vigorously.
Design and apply uniform directions for committee work (elementary and secondary.)
Refer complaints to the administration and expect status reports.
Use the district newsletter to communicate candidly on meaningful issues.
Guarantee a safe environment for those who share their thoughts/feelings.
Deal directly with the “rubber stamp” allegation. Be specific, e.e. these are our values regarding the leadership team, the importance of teamwork, the partnership of the superintendent and the board. You only act on an agenda item after it has been discussed, perhaps debated.
Pressure groups – inform these interested parties of your commitment to the district mission. Let them learn more about the district operations regarding policy governance.
Conduct an annual review of important personnel policies for all administrators.
Review/clarify/strengthen the decision-making process. Communicate the process in multiple ways to multiple constituencies.

Board members discussed the issue of trust and communication, board values, strategic focus, the board/superintendent relationship, how to create an open and inviting environment, and how board member’s each had a different perspective on what this all means. They thanked Mr. Tschirki for his time and recommendations.

ITEM #3 – EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was no need for an executive session.

ITEM #4 - ADJOURN

Dr. Jones made a motion to adjourn at 7:40 p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Seiter and unanimously approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Kristy Rodri

District Clerk to the Board of Education

Approval:

________________________________ _____________________________

President Secretary