Elizabeth Doney Havre Daily News edoney@havredailynews.com
The Havre Public Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously to allow two student and faculty requests for out-ofdistrict travel. The first request was to allow a trip to Edmonton for the Cantando Festival, a noncompetitive festival designed for North American school wind ensembles, concert bands, jazz bands and choirs to promote high quality music education. It was presented by Jerry Vandersloot and Dave Johnke of the HHS Symphonic Band who made very passionate appeals on behalf of their talented music students. There were a total of 40 students, four chaperones and two bus drivers granted approval to attend the three-night festival in Canada. The trip will be paid for by the coupon book and other fundraising efforts of the band students and staff. Patrick Ryan and Jerry Vandersloot made the next request for HHS choir students Kory Bleak and Rosa Horne to attend the All-Northwest Music Educators Conference in Portland, Ore. Horne and Bleak were selected out of 4,600 students from various states. The trip will be primarily financed with student accounts funds as well as coupon book and other fundraising. Any remaining funds will be covered by the students and their parents. Upon beginning of official business, the school board took the time to read the biographies of its Employees of the Winter Quarter. Those selected were; Diane Iverson, custodian of the Robins Building; Mardele Toth, special education; Grant Gerber, bus driver; Kristy Fox, secretary building/grounds; and Tina Kelley, high school assistant cook. The next item of business with action required was the revision to the memorandum of understanding for Girls Softball and Boys Cross Country. It was decided to place the cost of employment issues and bus services into the school district's fund relieving the private organizations from having to fund the coaches and bus services. The girls fastpitch softball program was granted $10,000 and boys cross country team received $2,000. Both activity programs will continue to be responsible for meals, motels, officials, uniforms, etc. Ric Floren presented the District Educational Work Plan Security Sub- Committee recommendations for Interior and Exterior digital camera surveillance at HHS, this also included exterior keyless entry and exterior lighting for added security to the High School. It was noted that the keyless entry system is more cost efficient than keys and the money has already been budgeted in the general fund with an estimated cost of $15,000. The digital camera surveillance is estimated to cost $30,000-40,000 with the money being taken out of building reserve and deferred maintenance. The security project that would be under way first was the additional lighting to be completed by NorthWestern Energy in the next month. All three of this security requests were granted upon a few questions and concerns. It was noted that the school was in need of these additional safety measures.
Kathie Newell was appointed as the HPS Trustee representative on the HPS Education Foundation board of directors for 2007. The board members agreed that Newell has been doing a good job and should continue to serve as trustee representative. Zella Witter was appointed to serve as District 16 & A Clerk for the remainder of the 2006-07 school year. Kirk Miller, superintendent, was appointed to serve as the District A Transportation Committee representative to replace Ric Floren upon his retirement. Three amendments were made to the Board Performance Assessment and Meeting Evaluation Tool Review, Policy 1620P. It was done by Superintendent Miller. The DECA Learn and Earn Project informed the board of their plans for a Fashion Show Luncheon to participate in the 2006 DECA State Competition which entails developing a business plan, implementing a promotional campaign and evaluating the outcome of the project. District and School Profile Reports were presented by Andy Carlson which is part of the Five Year Comprehensive Education Plan. Copies of the District and School Profile were available for review and can be requested from the District Office. Certified Trustee Certificates were given out to those member who completed their required hours. Two additional requests for Sunday travel for the State DECA on Feb. 11 in Helena and the Treble Choir trip to Polson on Feb. 4. The school board was made aware of the HPS representation on the Bear Paw Kid's Management Authority Committee Teams. KMA is responsible for coordinating a team effort in managing services for kids who meet the high risk criteria. Three letters of correspondence were received and the superintendent exercised his right to request an executive session during which time his evaluation would be discussed behind closed doors. For further information on any of the discussions made at the school board meeting, call Miller at 254-4356.
