HART-RANSOM UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
3920 SHOEMAKE AVENUE
MODESTO, CA

Regular Governing Board Meeting
December 16, 2010
School Library – 6:00 p.m.

3930 Shoemake Avenue

MINUTES

I.          OPENING

President Austin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the school library. President Austin led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation. Board members present were: Greg Austin, Tom Grover, Robin Hennings, Jim Cover and Rich Fultz. Ream Lochry, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board was also present.

Audience members present per Board attendance sheet: Jim Shaw, Robert Brayton, Isabel Harris Sherry Smith, Maridel Visser and Jerrianna Boer.

II.         ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

Dr. Lochry presided over the selection of Board President.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, Robin Hennings was nominated for Board President. Hearing no other nominations, Dr. Lochry called for a vote. The vote: 5 ayes.

Dr. Lochry presented Mr. Austin with a plaque to recognize and thank him for his service this past year as Board President.

President Hennings presided over the remainder of the meeting.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Fultz, Tom Grover was nominated for Board Vice President. Hearing no other nominations, President Hennings called for a vote. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, Jim Cover was nominated for Board Clerk. Hearing no other nominations, President Hennings called for a vote. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Grover, Mr. Fultz was nominated for Member Representative to vote for members of Stanislaus County Committee on School District Organization. Hearing no other nominations, President Hennings called for a vote. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Fultz, the Board approved the meeting schedule, insofar as practical, for the second Thursday of each month. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board authorized Superintendent, Ream Lochry and Business Manager, Sonnya Kale, to sign orders of funds drawn upon the District’s name (authorized agent approval). The vote: 5 ayes.

III.        CONSENT ITEMS

On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board approved all consent items. Approved items were: Minutes of the November 18, 2010 Regular Governing Board meeting and the November 29, 2010 Special Governing Board meeting; Enrollment Report – Elementary School; Enrollment Report – Charter School; Warrants dated November 5, 17 & 18, 2010; November 10-11 Budget Report; Charter School Report; Employment of Sabrina Hull, Temporary Supplemental Teacher. This position is for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year only. Four (4) hours each Wednesday, not to exceed 92 hours, to be paid at the established certificated extra duty hourly rate of $27.50. The vote: 5 ayes.

IV.       REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. There were no public comments.

1. Mr. Brayton reported that the construction project is currently ahead of schedule. Weather and possible redesign issues could potentially slow progress.

Mr. Austin shared information regarding the HVAC and beam issues discussed at the Wednesday construction meeting.

Mr. Shaw shared the drawings or options of moving the HVAC ductwork on the MPR.

Mr. Austin reported on the discussion at the construction meeting outlining the current design of the system.

Mr. Grover shared his feelings that with the options provided, he did not feel it was worth the additional money and time to make the changes. He was very appreciative of the time and effort put in to the research of the options.

Mr. Shaw led a discussion regarding placement of the steel beams located on the ceiling of the MPR and how these beams will possibly interfere with basketball backboard, volleyball games etc.

Mr. Austin shared that at the construction meeting there was discussion regarding possible need to replace more than the middle cross rod. He reiterated the original concern was the cross rod causing interference during volleyball games.

Mr. Grover shared again his feeling that it was not worth the trouble and money to make the changes now.

1. Mr. Austin reported that the water tank for the project had been installed and Mr. Grover commented that the contractor has done an outstanding job on the project.

1. Dr. Lochry reported that Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Health notified the District that arsenic levels in the well exceed maximum allowed measurements. The District will notify parents and staff. Bottled water will be provided until arsenic levels test within acceptable limits once again.

1. Mrs. Boer reported briefly on recent events at the elementary school.

Mrs. Smith reported that a charter student, Andrew Britton, is making a name for himself as a successful swimmer.

Mrs. Visser had nothing to report.

V.        PUBLIC HEARING

President Hennings opened the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. to discuss requesting a 60 day extension of the 2010-2011 SARC posting requirement.

Hearing no further comments, President Hennings closed the public hearing at 7:01 p.m.

VI.       ACTION ITEMS

            President Hennings pulled Item D from the agenda.

1. On a motion by Mr. Grover and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board approved submission of a 60 day extension waiver related to the SARC (School Accountability Report Card) to the CA Dept. of Ed. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. Mrs. Kale reviewed the Summary Fund Balance Sheet for the entire district including charter school. She also reviewed the multi-year projection page.

On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board approved the First Interim Budget Report. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Fultz, the Board accepted a donation from Mr. Noland in the amount of $1,000.00 to fund the Future Cities Competition. The vote: 5 ayes.

E-G.    On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board approved the revised job descriptions for Custodian, Resource Aide and One-on-One Instructional Aide. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board approved leaving the HVAC system in new MPR, as is in original design. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Fultz, the Board approved the purchase, from General Fund, of 2 copiers, one for the District Office and one for the teacher work room. The Board also approved the purchase of maintenance agreements on the 2 new copiers as well as the copier from the district office to be moved to the school office. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Austin, the Board approved increase to the business mileage reimbursement rate from 50 cents to 51 cents per mile, effective January 1, 2011. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Grover, the Board accepted the Bus Retro Fit Grant from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The vote: 5 ayes.

At this time, 7:36 p.m., President Hennings called for a recess of the meeting to allow the Special Governing Board meeting to be called to order.

At 7:41 p.m., President Hennings reconvened this meeting.

VII.      MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA

            There were no matters too late for the agenda.

VIII.     ADVANCED PLANNING BY THE GOVERNING BOARD

1. January Board Meeting – Thursday, January 13, 2011.

IX.       ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

President Hennings adjourned the meeting to closed session at 7:43 p.m.

X.        CLOSED SESSION

President Hennings called the closed session to order at 7:57 p.m. in the District Office.

            President Hennings adjourned the closed session at 8:24 p.m.

XI.       REPORT ACTION TAKEN DURING CLOSED SESSION

President Hennings reported that on a motion by Mr. Austin and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board denied the claim filed by Mr. Giorgio Baroni, and referred it to the District’s insurance carrier. The vote: 5 ayes.

XII.      ADJOURNMENT

            President Hennings adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Ream Lochry
RL/dap

HART-RANSOM UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
3920 SHOEMAKE AVENUE
MODESTO, CA

Special Governing Board Meeting
December 16, 2010
School Library – 7:00 p.m. (Approximate)

3930 Shoemake Avenue

MINUTES

I.          OPENING

President Hennings called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation were suspended as the regular meeting was already in progress. All Board members and Dr. Lochry, Superintendent were present.

II.         REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. There were no public comments.

III.        ACTION ITEMS

1. On a motion by Mr. Cover and a second by Mr. Fultz, the Board approved leaving steel rods on the MPR ceiling as is in original design though noted they were not pleased with the design. The vote: 5 ayes.

IV.       ADJOURNMENT

            President Hennings adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Ream Lochry
RL/dap

HART-RANSOM UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
3920 SHOEMAKE AVENUE
MODESTO, CA

Regular Governing Board Meeting
January 13, 2011
School Library – 6:00 p.m.

3930 Shoemake Avenue

AGENDA

We welcome you to this evening’s meeting. Members of the public may be heard on any item on the Board’s agenda. A person addressing the Board will be limited to five (5) minutes unless the President of the Board grants a longer period of time. The Board will only allow comments by members of the public on items on the agenda during consideration of the item. While not required, we would appreciate it if you would identify yourself with your name and address when addressing the Board. Please make sure all electronic devices are turned off while the meeting is in session.

Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. By request, alternative document formats are available to persons with disabilities. To arrange an alternative document format or to arrange aid or services to modify or accommodate persons with a disability to participate in a public meeting, please provide a written request to Debbie Phillips, Superintendent’s Secretary at the Hart-Ransom Union School District Office at least three working days prior to any public meeting.

I.          OPENING

1. Call to Order.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Invocation.

II.         CONSENT ITEMS

All consent items are approval by a single action. Any items may be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion upon request by a member of the audience, staff and/or Board Member.

1. Minutes of the December 16, 2010 Regular Governing Board meeting. [Appendix II-A]
2. Enrollment Report – Elementary School. [Appendix II-B]
3. Enrollment Report – Charter School. [Appendix II-C]
4. Cafeteria Report. [Appendix II-D]
5. Warrants dated December 8, & 22, 2010. [Appendix II-E]
6. December 10-11 Budget Report. [Appendix II-F]
7. Charter School Report. [Appendix II-G]

Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

III.        REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

            A.        Hearing of delegates and/or comments from the audience on items not on                                   the agenda, and closed session items. (These matters may be presented                          only by interested persons in the audience. Under State law, Governing
Board members may respond to matters being presented under this item only as follows:

1. Briefly respond to statements made or questions raised.
2. Ask a question for clarification.
3. Provide a reference to staff or other resources for factual information.
4. Request staff to report back at a subsequent meeting.
5. Finally, Governing Board members or the Governing Board itself may take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.)

1.       Construction Update.

1.       Board Member Reports.

D.        Superintendent’s Updates.

E.        Principal / Staff Communication.

IV.       ACTION ITEMS

1. Williams Settlement Reporting – Consider approval of Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Report for October – December 2010. [Appendix IV-A]

Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

B.        Audit Reports – Consider acceptance of the 2009-2010 District Audit Report and the 2009-2010 Bond Audit Report. [Appendix IV-B]

Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

C.        Consolidated Application – Consider approval of the 2010-2011 Consolidated Application, Part II. [Appendix IV-C]

Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

1.       Obsolete Equipment – Consider declaring the listed equipment obsolete   and as such, available for disposal according to Ed Code. [Appendix IV-D]

           
Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

E.        Donation – Consider accepting donation of $16,000.00 from Parent Teacher Club for Classroom Technology Equipment. [Appendix IV-E]
           
Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

1. Board Protocols – Review and consider continued use of the Board     Governance Handbook. [Appendix IV-F]

Motion Needed:  By________ 2nd ________ Ayes________ Noes________  Abstentions________

V.        MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA

These may be presented by members of the Governing Board and Administration upon determination by a majority vote that an emergency exists, as defined by State law, or by 2/3 vote that (1) there is a need to take immediate action and (2) that the need for action came to the School District’s attention after the agenda was posted.

VI.       ADVANCED PLANNING BY THE GOVERNING BOARD

1. February Board Meeting – February 10, 2011.

VII.      ADJOURNMENT

HART-RANSOM UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT
3920 SHOEMAKE AVENUE
MODESTO, CA

Regular Governing Board Meeting
October 14, 2010
School Library – 6:00 p.m.

3930 Shoemake Avenue

MINUTES

I.          OPENING

President Austin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. in the school library. President Austin led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Invocation. Board members present were: Greg Austin, Robin Hennings, Tom Grover and Rich Fultz. Ream Lochry, Superintendent and Secretary to the Board was also present. Jim Cover was absent.

Audience members per Board attendance sheet: Travis DuPonte, Jim Shaw, Bill Ardis, Sherry Smith, Maridel Visser, Valerie Cruce and Jerrianna Boer.

II.         CONSENT ITEMS

            Mr. Cover joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m. during review of Item II-F.

During review of item II-F, the September 10-11 Budget Report, Mrs. Kale briefly reviewed an article she handed out to Board members on the status of school budgets since the recently passed state budget.

Mrs. Kale also explained her Charter School Budget Report and how she set it up. She stated that she will continue to report on the Charter School budget each month to keep them informed as to the status and any concerns she may have.

On a motion by Mrs. Henning and a second by Mr. Grover, the Board approved all consent items. Approved items were: Minutes of the September 9, 2010 Regular Governing Board meeting; Enrollment Report – Elementary School; Enrollment Report – Charter School; Cafeteria Report; Warrants dated September 8, 17 and 29, 2010; September 10-11 Budget Report; Charter School Report; Resignation letter from Teresa Altom, Two O’clock Care Supervisor; Leave of Absence Request from Elizabeth Crane, Charter School Advisory Teacher for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year; Employment of Kayleigh Mead, Yard Duty Supervisor, an increase of 1.75 hours daily (10 month position) for a total of 4.75 hours; Employment of Ashley Beard, Eagles’ Nest Group Leader, 3 hours daily, (10 month position); Employment of Holly Wilkins, Two O’clock Care Supervisor, .75 hours daily (hourly employee position); employment of Carrie Bell, Two O’clock Care Supervisor, .75 hours daily, (hourly employee position); Increase of hours for Teresa Altom, 1.5 hours Bus Driver daily, (10 month position) for a total of 7.75 hours daily; Increase of hours for Cheryl Finnegan, 1.5 hours Bus Driver daily, (10 month position) for a total of 7.5 hours daily; Employment of Valerie Cruce, Short-Term Kindergarten Instructional Aide, an increase of 3 hours daily for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year for a total of 6 hours daily; Employment of Elizabeth Crane, Temporary Kindergarten Teacher for the remainder of the 2010-2011 school year. The vote: 5 ayes.

III.        REPORTS/PRESENTATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. There were no public comments.

1. Mr. DuPonte passed around pictures of the construction project. He reported that the parking lot would be paved next week, that the project was still on schedule, and the well issue had been addressed, approval granted and work will begin on that in the near future.

Mr. Shaw led a discussion regarding the logo to be put on the outdoor stage area. No decision was made.

Mr. Shaw also reported that the charter school building will be delivered next week.

Dr. Lochry notified the Board that the interior configuration of the charter school office can not be done until the state has signed off on the notice of completion. This is so state funding is not jeopardized. After final approval, C.T. Brayton will construct the interior walls, counters etc. for office use.

1. President Austin reported on his attendance at the Fall Festival and well as ongoing construction meetings. He stated that he was still pleased with the work being done and the process of how the contractor deals with issues.

1. Dr. Lochry reported on the following items:

State Budget – he shared his concerns regarding prop 98 being suspended as well as an additional deferral payment, for a total of three payments from the state being deferred this year.

Foundation – the kick off event will be held at the Grover’s home in the spring and a shopping bag fundraiser is being researched.

Health Insurance – Mrs. Kale informed the Board that health insurance for all district employees is once again increasing substantially.

1. Mrs. Boer reported on upcoming and recent events such as: parent conferences, fitness center, and the spelling bee. She reported that the school year is off to an excellent start and discipline issues are minimal, with no increased load due to elimination of the support room.

Mrs. Visser stated that the addition of the 4th kindergarten class has been wonderful and significantly improved the classroom atmosphere. She reported that the transition went quite smoothly and that Mrs. Boer had made the determination of students to be moved to the newly established class.

Mr. Grover suggested that Charter School consider using the newly acquired Fitness Center in the future as an elective for their students as a means of cutting costs.

1. Mrs. Boer shared the STAR results of the elementary school, reporting that the API decreased 4 points and that the AYP was not met. She shared a few ideas of items the teaching staff plan to work on in hopes of improving next year.

Mrs. Smith also shared the STAR results for the charter school. Reporting that the API decreased 11 points, and she too shared a plan of action to address the decline in student scores.

IV.       PUBLIC HEARING

1. President Austin opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. to discuss submission of application for Variable Term Waiver to Commission on Teacher Credentialing – Reading Specialist.

Hearing no comments, President Austin closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.

V.        ACTION ITEMS

1. On a motion by Mrs. Hennings and a second by Mr. Fultz, the Board approved submittal of the Variable Term Waiver to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in regards to Susan Wilson. Reading Specialist. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board approved the Williams Settlement Uniform Complaint Report for July – September 2010. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board declared the listed Charter School instructional materials and equipment obsolete and as such, available for disposal according to Ed Code. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. Mrs. Kale explained the handout she provided regarding the proposed technology finance plan to address the continual need for upgrades. She also pointed out that eventually, the district will need to consider new tech support and it will cost the district significantly more money.

On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mrs. Hennings, the Board approved a budget transfer in the amount of $75,000 from the 2009-2010 Undesignated Fund Balance to Fund 40 as well as $10,000 each following year for the purpose of establishing a Technology Replacement Fund. This item will be reviewed annually for possible need of adjustment to budget transfer amount. The vote: 5 ayes.

1. On a motion by Mr. Fultz and a second by Mr. Cover, the Board declared the listed elementary school furniture and equipment obsolete and as such, available for disposal according to Ed Code. The vote: 5 ayes.

VI.       MATTERS TOO LATE FOR THE AGENDA

            There were no matters too late for the agenda.

VII.      ADVANCED PLANNING BY THE GOVERNING BOARD

1. Annual Fall School Boards Dinner – Thursday, October 28, 2010, 6:00 p.m. at the Martin G. Petersen Event Center. – President Austin and Mrs. Hennings confirmed, Mr. Fultz will contact Debbie after checking his schedule.

1. November Board Meeting – Thursday, November 18, 2010.

1. December Board Meeting – Thursday, December 9, 2010.

VIII.     ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION

            President Austin adjourned the meeting to closed session at 7:55 p.m.

IX.       CLOSED SESSION

            President Austin called the closed session to order at 8:04 p.m.
            President Austin adjourned the closed session at 8:21 p.m.

X.        REPORT ACTION TAKEN DURING CLOSED SESSION

            No action was taken during closed session.

XI.       ADJOURNMENT

            President Austin adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Ream Lochry
RL/dap