March 11, 2024 at 5:00 PM - DOUGLAS SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Discussion:  All actions in these Minutes were by unanimous vote unless otherwise stated.

President Tanya Gray called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Discussion:  There was nothing for public forum.

Discussion:         Approved Regular Board Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2024.

Discussion:         Approved March 15 Accounts Payable Report and February Payroll Report. (Attachments)

Discussion:         There were no conflicts disclosed as defined in SDCL 3-23.

Discussion:  Superintendent Items:

Discussion:  Buildings and Grounds Coordinator Jace Waltman introduced Derek Budig and Troy Giegling from Mammoth, a sports facility design and construction company out of Sioux Falls. They presented a plan to upgrade the Douglas track and football field. Currently, the track is not in suitable condition to host any track meets. The track renovation, which would include new shot put, discus and pole vault areas would cost approximately $1,592,000, and the football field conversion to FieldTurf, including new aggregate base, drainage and athletic equipment and a 8-year maintenance plan would cost approximately $1,569,000. This project is on the Capital Outlay Proposals for 2024-25 and the Board will take action at its March 25 meeting.

Discussion:  Fiscal Resources Items:

Discussion:  Board members have the opportunity to review the Capital Outlay Project requests for 2024-25 prior to taking board action at the March 25 board meeting.  Between the grant dollars available and the normal revenue between local property taxes and impact aid for capital outlay, the district will raise approximately $2.9 million dollars.  However, the current capital outlay requests are over $7 million dollars.  That is largely in part due to two large items that need to be replaced immediately - the high school roof and the track and field.  These projects have been put on hold in the past and now maintaining them as they currently are has become unsustainable.  The district has Impact Aid dollars in reserve that will be used to balance the budget and finalize the projects as presented and recommended by the Committee.

Discussion:  Operational Support Services Items:

Discussion:         Revised Board Policy KL - Complaint Against School Employee
       Revised Board Policy Regulation KL-R - Complaint Procedure
       Reviewed Board Policy Exhibit KL-E(1) - Complaint Against School Employee Report Form
       Reviewed Board Policy Exhibit KL-E(2) - Appeal to the Superintendent
       Reviewed Board Policy Exhibit KL-E(3) - Appeal to the School Board
       Reviewed Board Policy KLA - Public Complaints
       Revised Board Policy KLB - Public Complaints about the Curriculum or Instructional/Library Materials
       Reviewed Board Policy Exhibit KLB-E - Citizen's Request for Reconsideration of Educational/Library Materials
       Deleted Board Policy KLC - Public Complaints about Library Materials
       Revised Board Policy KLD - Public Complaints for Federal Programs
       Reviewed Board Policy KMA - Relations with Parent Organizations
       Reviewed Board Policy KMB - Title 1 Parent Involvement

Discussion:  Informational reading to review new Board Policy IIBFA - Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Operational Support Services Bud Gusso presented an overview of the feedback gathered at the Classified Staff Listening Sessions in February. The feedback is sorted into four basic categories: Professional Development, Salary & Benefits, Wellness, and Improving Working Conditions.

Discussion:  Reports:

Discussion:  Superintendent Kevin Case and Business Manager Trista Olney are attending the Spring National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS) Conference in Washington DC this week.

Discussion:  Committee Reports from Board Members and Comments from Associate Board Members

Jo Anne Mulholland reminded everyone that April is the Month of the Military Child.  

Chris Misselt commented on having the same committee structure since at least 2018 without having any discussion of a better way to increase board member situational awareness for more efficiency and productivity. 

Amy McGovern added the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting for the grand opening of the Hangar. 

Ben Frerichs stated that good information was presented and shared at the Capital Outlay Committee meeting.

Tonya Amaral asked for volunteers for the post prom event.  The Box Elder Chamber of Commerce is again supporting the Booster Club with the March 50/50.  The next Booster Club meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Patrice Holmes added that April 12 is Purple Up Day to honor military-connected children.

Tanya Gray commented on the community involvement in supporting school activities.

Discussion:  President Tanya Gray called the board out of executive session at 6:43 p.m.