MOUNTAIN INSTITUTE

Governing Board of Education

Regular Meeting Minutes

      February 16, 2011 

A regular meeting of the Mountain Institute Governing Board of Education was held on February 16, 2011at the Mountain Institute District Office, 3003 Centerpointe East Dr., Prescott, AZand convened at 6:00 p.m. 

6:00 P.M.  REGULAR SESSION

1.    WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER:

      Chairman Roger Harlow called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.                       

2.   PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/FLAG CEREMONY:

      The pledge was led by Roger Harlow. 

3.   ROLL CALL:

      Present were Board members Heidi Baker, Tony Carroll, Roger Harlow, Thomas Liuzzo, Casey Samsill and Michael Taylor. A quorum was established.  Also present were; Ray Polvani, Mountain Institute Superintendent; Jeramy Plumb, Program Director; Howard Moody, ESA consultant and Finance Director; Sandy Somsen, Career Education Coordinator; and Karen Leja, Board Secretary. Guests from the community were: Dolisa Pehl, Chino Valley USDculinary instructor, CVUSD culinary student Logan Lopez and his mother. 

4.   PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:

      There was no public participation. 

5.   PRESENTATION:  Eleven JTED Culinary students from Chino Valley USD were recognized for their participation in the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) regional culinary competition held January 27, 2011.  CVUSD student Logan Lopez discussed activities in the culinary program and the kitchen preparation skills he’s learning. 

6.   CONSENT AGENDA:    

      There were four items on the consent agenda:  Approval of the minutes of the January 12, 2011 meeting: Approval of the February 16, 2011 agenda; Approval of Payroll  Vouchers 534 totaling $9,768.79; 535 totaling $9,768.79, and 536 totaling $9,768.79;  and Approval of Expense Vouchers 8113 totaling $15,132.03, and 8114 totaling $85,035.99. Mr. Samsill requested further details of large payments on the voucher in the future.  Mr. Liuzzo moved to approve the consent agenda. Mr. Carroll seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

 7.   REPORTS:

A.  Governing Board

• County-wide Administrators Meeting

Mr. Harlow reported he had attended the County-wide Administrators meeting in Cottonwood.  Education is in trouble with the state budget and things are not expected to improve for several years.  Mr. Moody will review this in further detail under the finance report.

• Yavapai County Educational Technology Consortium Summit

Mr. Harlow reported he had attended YCETC Summit.  The JTED will be very involved as the county technology plans move forward.  Mr. Moody said the YCETC will be discussed in detail at the June board planning retreat.

B.  Superintendent

• State Superintendent Huppenthal Message

Dr. Polvani summarized a message from Superintendent Huppenthal.  Mr. Huppenthal believes in a systems approach to education; he recognizes the state needs an updated student data system; and he is researching the education model of Florida schools to see how their systems could improve Arizona schools.

• Transportation

Dr. Polvani said three meetings had been held with the transportation directors of Chino, Prescott, and Humboldt.  A shuttle system of busing is proposed to offer transportation for about 200 JTED Central program students.  The Yavapai College Career & Technical Education Center (CTEC) would be used as a central location for buses. 

• Two superintendent changes upcoming.  At the Ask Fork JUSD board meeting last week,

     Superintendent Dave Perey’s contract was not renewed.  The Seligman USD Superintendent

     Katie Fitzgerald has submitted her resignation.

• The second meeting of the MI Community Advisory Council will be held Thursday, February

     17, at 2 p.m. at the MI District Office.

9.    OLD BUSINESS:

A.  Discussion/Possible Action Item:  Rescind January 2011 election of Governing Board Chair

      and Vice Chair.

            Dr. Polvani reminded board members he was asked at the last meeting to clarify the Governing  Board policy regarding the Chairperson term of office.  Upon researching the policy and statute and  upon conversations with Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter and attorneys, it was determined the JTED Board Chair position is to be renewed annually.  Furthermore, statute states             the position of chair shall be rotated among the member districts.  Dr. Polvani explained corrective steps needs to be taken and it is commended the Chair and Vice Chair elections from the January  meeting be rescinded.  Mr. Liuzzo moved to rescind the vote for the Chair and Vice Chair made at  the January 12, 2011 meeting.  Ms. Baker seconded and the motion carried 6-0.

 B.  Discussion/Possible Action Item:  Election of Governing Board Chair

Dr. Polvani continued by explaining the rotational system of election of the Governing Board Chair.  As Bagdad and Chino Valley Districts have been represented as Chair they are not eligible.  As the Seligman seat is not filled, that district is not eligible.  Selection of this year’s chair would come from the remaining districts:  Ash Fork, Humboldt, Mayer or Prescott.   In ensuing years, the chair selection would come from the districts that have not served.  Rotation begins again once all eligible districts have served or declined to serve.  A lengthy discussion was held on the rotational process and concerns voiced that a new board member could become chair with no background.  Board members asked if Mr. Carter could attend a future meeting to explain the process further. 

Dr. Polvani opened nomination for Governing Board Chair.  Mr. Carroll nominated Heidi Baker from the Ash Fork District.  Ms. Baker declined.  Ms. Baker nominated Thomas Liuzzo from the Humboldt District.  Mr. Liuzzo declined.  Mr. Taylor nominated Casey Samsill from the Mayer District.  Mr. Samsill declined.  Mr. Samsill nominated Michael Taylor from the Prescott District.  Mr. Taylor declined.  Dr. Polvani said by the procedures set forth by statute, the four eligible districts have declined.  Mr. Samsill nominated Roger Harlow as Chair from the Chino Valley District.  Mr. Harlow indicated he is willing to serve.  Ms. Baker seconded the nomination.  Dr. Polvani asked for any additional nominations or volunteers.  Hearing none, Dr. Polvani asked for approval of Mr. Harlow as Chair for 2011.  Six aye votes were received.  No nay votes.  Mr. Harlow is elected Chair. 

C.  Discussion/Possible Action Item:  Election of Governing Board Vice Chair

Dr. Polvani explained the rules for the chair position are not applicable to the vice chair position.  He turned the election over to Mr. Harlow.  Mr. Harlow asked for nominations for Vice Chair for 2011.  Mr. Samsill nominated Tony Carroll as Vice Chair.  Mr. Liuzzo seconded the nomination.  Mr. Harlow asked if there were any further nominations.  Hearing none, Mr. Harlow closed nominations.  Six aye votes approved the nomination.  No nay votes were received.  Mr. Carroll is elected Vice Chair for 2011. 

D.  Discussion Item:  Curriculum/Instruction/Program Status

• CTE Assessments.  Mr. Plumb reported on the CTE Assessment test results from spring of 2010.  Mountain Institute led the JTED districts with a 91.37% passing rate.  Board members asked if teachers could be recognized and a press release distributed.  Staff will follow up on  these actions.
• Cosmotology survey.  Mr. Plumb reported the cosmetology surveys have been distributed  at the satellite districts through our Mountain Advisory Committee (MAC) representatives.  Results of the survey will be available at the March 23 board meeting.
• Parent Nights.  Ms. Somsen reported parent orientation meetings for the central programs  are going very well.  She reviewed the numbers of parents and students attending meetings and the number of student interest cards received to date.

E.  Discussion Item:  Finance Report.

• Monthly Financial Update. Mr. Moody reviewed the regular financial reports:  Fund Balances, Revenue Report and Expenditure Budget Balance Report.  The reports show we have a good cash position.  He explained the administration is being cautious as sudden       growth funds have not been received but are still expected due to our enrollment more than doubling in our second year.  Mr. Moody also pointed out the state has started taking back the monies they overpaid MI last year.  These decreases will continue until the sudden growth funds are distributed and the state can reallocate the funds.  Mr. Liuzzo asked how property taxes were affecting MI.  Mr. Moody said the property tax numbers were down about 18%.  It was requested that the property tax values can be discussed at the board retreat.  Dr.  Polvani and Mr. Moody agreed but also said that some decisions on future staffing and  facilities will probably need to be made in April as the budget is due in May unless the state extends the deadline.  Mr. Samsill asked for itemization of expense voucher amounts over $10,000 in the future.  MI staff will follow-up on this request.

• 2012 State Budget Presentation by Mr. Chuck Essigs.

Mr. Moody reviewed a power point presentation by Mr. Chuck Essigs on the State Budget and School Funding Issues.  Highlights included:

1.  Budget shortfall of $530 to $764 million in FY2011

2.  Budget shortfall of $975 million to $1.1 billion in FY2012

3.  Less state revenue in FY2010 than in FY2004 ($6.29 billion vs. $6.49 billion)

4.  One cent sales tax ends in FY2014 - $1 billion

5.  Governor’s Proposed Budget FY2011 Shortfall—First Things First Loan - $330 million;

     Additional K-12 rollover -- $245 million; K-12 Federal Jobs Funds - $101.2 million; DES

     Reductions -- $91 million; Fund Transfers -- $65.6 million; Medicaid Provider Cut -- $17.3

     million; and One-time correction savings -- $10 million.

6.  FY2012 budget – Base Level unchanged; 1% increase in students; 0.9% increase in TSL

     formula; 4.1% increase in Special Education students;  Total rollover $1.2 billion;

     Continue Soft Capital and Additional Assistance Reductions; Continue JTED statewide

     funding cap.

• Central Program ADM.  Dr. Polvani explained we currently receive .25 Average Daily  Membership (ADM) for each satellite student and up to .75 ADM for centralized campus  students.  A question of central campus ADM has arisen with the Arizona Department of        Education.  ADE is suggesting if a central campus is located on a satellite-owned location or  where MI does not own or lease the facility that only .25 ADM can be received.  Dr. Polvani  said staff is in conversations with statewide JTED superintendents and attorneys to get resolution of this matter.  Mr. Moody explained if we only get .25 ADM for these students we are spending more on some of these centralized programs than we’re receiving from the state. 

 F.   Discussion/Possible Action Item:  Consider approval of Pima JTED curriculum purchase services agreement.

Mr. Plumb reminded board members a presentation had been made at the November 17, 2010 Governing Board Meeting by Tamara Nicolosi of the Pima JTED on a new curriculum model.  The administration has completed further research and is recommending Mountain Institute participate in the Pima JTED curriculum model Option B for a total estimated cost of $10,500.  This option will provide a three-day workshop on the joint curriculum project, a three-day train the trainer session for JTED staff and mentors and two days of one-on-one coaching plus personalized online access through the Wiki.  Mr. Plumb, David Capka from Humboldt District and Lauri Dreher from Prescott District will be the MI curriculum team.  Mr. Carroll asked if there is a tracking system in the Wiki online system and Mr. Plumb confirmed it counts the number hits over a week’s time.  Mr. Samsill asked if additional staffing would be needed to handle the curriculum project.  Dr. Polvani explained the administration is in the process of reviewing all jobs and will be coming back to the board in the spring with recommendations of how we can be more effective with job distribution. 

Mr. Taylor moved that we approve MI JTED participation in the Pima JTED curriculum project, Option B, at an estimated cost of $10,500.  Mr. Samsill seconded and the motion carried 6-0. 

G.  Discussion Item:  Governing Board agenda reformat sample.

Dr. Polvani explained the administration is seeking to both simplify the Governing Board agenda format and to better comply with the existing Board Policy.  We are changing from the nomenclatures of ‘Old Business” and “New Business” into “Action Items” and “ Discussion Items.”  A copy of this evening’s board agenda in the revised versions was reviewed with board members.  Dr. Polvani said the new agenda format will start with the March meeting. 

9.    NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion Item:  Office Security.  Dr. Polvani

Dr. Polvani explained the recent tragedy in Tucson has heightened our collective awareness regarding the risks all of us are exposed to in our personal and professional lives.  At the last meeting, he said board members asked for a report on MI security.  The office is armed with a security system that also has one-digit codes for medical, police and fire alerts.  During the day, the main entry door is unlocked but if one staff member is alone the door can be kept locked.  Governing Board meetings are in the evenings and the administration is cognizant of potential issues that can arise.  If there is any suggestion of problems, police would be alerted and security could be hired if necessary.  Board members requested MI staff look into obtaining better lighting outside the front door for night meetings.  

1. Discussion/Possible Action Item: Consider approval of GovNET technology lease.

Mr. Moody said that we’re waiting for a GovNET lease agreement for a satellite dish.  GovNET is reluctant to agree to install a dish on leased property which means an alternative site may be necessary.  It is possible that Tri-City Prep down the street could be a site or when the Yavapai County Education Service Agency moves out here they could be a site.  

1. Discussion Item: Governing Board Spring Calendar. 

Dr. Polvani said the spring board planning calendar is being brought to the board for informational purposes.  Anytime a board member would like to add an item to an agenda please contact Mr. Harlow, Dr. Polvani or Karen Leja. 

      D.  Discussion Item:  Growth & Sustainability Grant project Open Houses.

Mr. Plumb said the administration is looking forward to holding Open Houses at the Growth and Sustainability Grant project sites.  The remodeled facilities look excellent.  The final inspection for the culinary remodel at Chino Valley USD is tomorrow.  The Ash Fork and Seligman sites have inspections next week.  The public, press and all board members and local school staff will be invited to the open houses. 

      E.  Discussion/Possible Action Item:  Consider approval of IGA for lobbying services.                                

Dr. Polvani explained 12 of the 13 JTEDs share costs of lobbying services through an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA).  Tonight the staff is seeking the annual approval of the IGA.  There are two minimal changes from last year’s IGA.  Mr. Liuzzo asked that the Mountain Institute name be corrected to the actual legal name.  Mr. Liuzzo asked if a list of items the lobbyists work on could be provided in the future.  Mr. Taylor asked which JTED was not part of the IGA.  Dr. Polvani explained it was EVIT as they have 25,000 students and operate almost as a community college and not with a blend of satellite and central campus students as other JTEDs.  Mr. Liuzzo moved to approve the IGA for lobbying services.  Ms. Baker seconded and the motion carried 6-0.       

10.ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Next scheduled Board Meetings are: 

      March 23, 2011     6:00 p.m.         Regular Meeting         MI District Office

      April 6, 2011          6:00 p.m.         Regular Meeting         MI District Office

      April 20, 2011        6:00 p.m.         Regular Meeting         MI District Office

11.  ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Liuzzo moved to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Samsill seconded and the motion carried 6-0.  The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. by Chairman Harlow. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Karen Leja, 

Board Secretary