Western Montana Association of School Superintendents MINUTES - WMASS monthly meeting November 1, 2017 11:24 AM Meeting Facilitator: WMASS President Dr. Mike Perry Invitees: Anthony Baugher, Arlene Bigby, Bill Colter, Dr. Bill McCaw, Brian Kott, Bob Moore, Brooke Marshall, Dr. Bruce Whitehead, Carla Anderson, Crista Anderson, Colet Bartow, Dr. Chris Kuschel, Dr. Corey Austin, Chris Stout, Mike Cutler, Daisy Carlsmith, Dan Anderson, Dani Smith, Daniel Lee, Diana Burke, Doug Reisig, David Whitesell, Erin Lipkind, Bea Kaleva, Ernie Jean, Jeanine Fillinger, Jim Howard, Joe Steele, Dr. John Matt, Jason Sargent, Kathleen Dent, Kimberly Scofield, Tom Korst, Lloyd Rennaker, Matt Driessen, Tim Miller, Mike Magone, Mark Thane, Dr. Patty Kero, Lance Pearson, Dr. Peggy Anderson, Rachel Vielleaux, Dr. Robert Currie, Dr. Roberta Evans, Rodney Bird, Rodney Simpson, Scott Stiegler, Bud Scully, Steve Love, Scott Kinney, Susan Harper Whalen, Daniel Sybrant, Tim Johnson, Dale Olinger, Randy Cline I. Call to order – 11:24 AM by Dr. Perry - Shout out to Superior Schools for passing bond election on 9/28/17 Members in attendance: Bryan Kott - Drummond, Jason Sargent - St. Ignatius, Steve Picard - Alberton, Steve Love - Charlo, Randy Cline - Frenchtown, Bud Scully - Florence, Tim Johnson - Corvallis, Dale Ohlinger - Lolo, Erin Lipkind - Missoula County, Joe Steele - St. Regis, Matt Driessen - DeSmet, Bruce Whitehead - SAM, Crista Anderson - Dixon, Johnny Pena - Kalispell, Corey Austin - Target Range and Scott Kinney - Superior II. Welcome and Introduction III. Approval of minutes from last meeting. Motion by Scott Kinney, 2nd by Bryan Kott - motion carries unanimously IV. Treasurer's Report No report as Mr. Stack was absent. V. Reports Dani Smith - University of Montana - Teacher Candidate Placement No report as Dani was absent. Colet Bartow - OPI Colet presented telephonically and presented information regarding the upcoming Celebrating Innovative Learning Conference being held in Helena at the Radisson 11/30-12/1. She also briefly visited items of interest current OPI Summary of Activities. She also stressed the importance of schools meeting state reporting deadlines insofar as it is crucial for OPI to adequately review program data prior to the release of funds back to schools. Lunch served Bea Kaleva - Kaleva Law Bea had three main items of interest to share: 1. Lead testing data that is being requested is not for a punitive action to be levied against schools. A group in Missoula is attempting to assess how large a concern lead testing is for schools in the state and is seeking to advocate for funding to address costs associated with testing. 2. Transportation - Title 49. Essentially, don't be Superior Schools. An issue arose last week in Superior regarding drug testing bus drivers and upon investigation, there were discrepancies found in the testing protocol used to test drivers. (*sk's authorial note - I will attach a quick bullet list of what I learned last week as well as the most recent MDT Bus Transportation Guide for your perusal. You are welcome to call or write if you'd like more information.) 3. Title IV. While there are new procedural rules in place, Montana Human Rights Commission is not changing their stance with regard to investigations taking place in schools. VI. Speakers Deanna Flemmer - META- Montana Educational Technologists Association Deanna discussed META purpose to support schools in their quest to provide technology service to students and staff. She discussed the need to review and strengthen staff and students Technology Use Agreements as well as becoming familiar with your network to ensure the cyber-attacks that occurred at Whitefish Schools don't happen to your districts. META stands ready to help and is a phone call away, even if you do not have a META member at your schools. She will be sending out ADA compliance packets at the end of the month. Johnny Pena - No Kid Hungry - America Corp Johnny was here to discuss food insecurity in Montana schools. According to his data, 1 in 5 Montana students is food insecure and this problem affects all, large and small. He provided handouts detailing many different programs No Kid Hungry supports and is offering to come to your school to help persuade staff to get on board to ensure all our kids get enough to eat. Kids can't learn if they are stuck at the bottom of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Lowell Hochhalter - Say Something Assemblies & Chaplin of Missoula Sheriff's Department Lowell presented about his organization and the power of positive messaging in schools. Bryan Kott has had a Say Something Assembly at Drummond and that http://saysomethingassembly.com/ VII. Other Items Regarding the recent tragedy in Plains, discussion was had about what WMASS could do to help. Bud Scully motioned that all this year's incoming dues would be directed to the fund supporting Kenny Marjerrison's family. Jason Sargent seconded the motion. Vote carries unanimously. Joe Steele discussed his interest in developing staff training for identifying students under the influence. VIII. Adjournment called at 1:00 pm by Dr. Perry. Respectfully submitted by Scott Kinney at 5:32 PM on November 2, 2017 Please see the following Western Montana School Closure contacts and Transportation tips on the following page. Western Montana School Closure Contacts KPAX News Room 542-4475 [email protected] KECI 721-5642 – [email protected] [email protected] KTMF 721-6397 – [email protected] Call our SNOW DAY hotline: 406-272-6537 and/or email our snow day tip line at [email protected] Password FROSTY MSLA Radio Peter Christian 721-1290 [email protected] Missoulian – [email protected] Gwen Florio 523-5260 Cherry Creek Radio – [email protected] 549-9393 Mountain Broadcasting 406-532-1025 Facebook, Twitter and school website Things to know about your Transportation program: MAKE CERTAIN your drivers are being tested using a DOT drug screen by a DOT certified collection site and DOT certified lab. DO NOT test drivers any time other than immediately prior/after they drive. NEVER on a day that they are not assigned to drive. The DOT screen is a 5-panel test and alcohol is an additional option IF you request it and only if the collection site has the necessary equipment to perform the test. It is necessary to note that for the purposes of a DOT screen, the result of an alcohol screen must be measured as BAC. The legal threshold for all commercial drivers is .04% blood alcohol content and .08% for all other drivers. All drug screen results are private and should be treated the same as any other HIPAA data or DOJ documentation you have. The authorized representative/superintendent is the only one in the district with the authority to view this data. There is no state authority overseeing drug testing companies in Montana. It is entirely your responsibility that they are compliant with federal law. If you haven't reviewed your Transportation policy/protocols for a while, it would be prudent to do so. Great resources for questions: Mr. Jeff Steegler - MDT Helena 406-444-4207 Mr. Bob Mitchell - Beach Transportation Missoula 406-549-6121 .