The items are being considered after the school system's former bus driver Everett Gilbert, 68, was accused of sexual abuse of two school-age girls on his bus route. A jury trial has been set for Gilbert 9 a.m. Aug. 26.
Board members were advised that the cameras are available to be operated so they cannot be shut off and even have night vision if necessary. School officials are reviewing costs and features of various cameras.
Putting an additional person on the bus route also could be considered. Superintendent of Schools Greg McNary said that could cost up to $50,000 per year to pay for bus para-professionals at $8 per hour to accompany drivers. One or both of these options could be implemented.
Board member Robert Reopelle commented it was sad that one of these steps was necessary. McNary said new rules through the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI) require all teachers and staff be fingerprinted and background checks be done, effective fall of 2007 when hired.
Board members agreed Williams County Road Superintendent Dennis Nelson should be contacted about a letter he sent involving state oil impact funds to be used to pay for recent Stony Creek School road improvements.
In the letter, Nelson informed the board that Stony Creek Township had applied for oil impact funding toward the project, and received $25,000.
Nelson stated the county auditor had sent District 8 a form to file for energy grant money on the project as well.
Nelson inquired in the letter if District 8 had received any of the oil impact grant money, and if so, to send the oil impact funds received.
He said there is a balance due on the project is $5,671. The road project is completed, according to the letter from Nelson.
Board members agreed to have District 8 music teacher Chad Askim present a week-long version of his World of Music program. They said the program could draw interest in students in the future.
McNary was given approval to have someone paid $20 in his absence to supervise and tend to the New Armory during basketball games. He typically does it for free, but would like to offer someone a little compensation for clearing the gym after its use if he is unavailable.
It was mentioned there is a farmer interested in purchasing an acre of property in northwest area of District 8 property. Board members said they would contact Williams County Superintendent of Schools Grant Archer about it, and possibly a realtor about the potential sale.
Board President Ed Maisey announced it was time to complete an evaluation of McNary
Two evaluations are required by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction on the school administrators, and this is the second.
Maisey ask board members fill out evaluation forms before the March 11 meeting to be held next month at Stony Creek School.
McNary was given the nod to receive prices on a 60-passenger bus for the district's fleet.
He advised that an independent school improvement team will be visiting District 8 schools in September is the standard system of evaluation of schools' strengths and weaknesses. The team will be led by Dave Steckler, former Hagan Elementary School Principal, who is currently a principal in Mandan.
McNary said office switches have been implemented for the business manager and superintendent. That involved cleaning carpets and switching to universal locks/keys instead of four at the office.
Maisey also noted they will be conducting some long-range planning strategies for the school district over curriculum, demographics, facility needs,enrollment and projects. A meeting will likely be announced for March.
McNary praised last week's program, presented by Randy Beard, that blended music and reading incentives through song-writing.
Board members agreed to parallel the 2008-2009 Williston Public School District 1 calendar unless there are some major conflicts. District 1 meets at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday
McNary said staff has been trained on state-funded automated defibrillators, and they will be installed in school cafeterias.
The board agreed to purchase a head-set speaker system for a hearing-impaired student at one of the schools at a cost of $900.
In a separate matter, the board agreed to purchase a refrigerator to replace one that has ceased working.
New Business Manager Thomas Firemoon will coach boys' elementary basketball and Stacey Clarys will coach elementary girls' basketball.
Board member Suzi Lee was advised a few changes have been implemented for the June 10 school board election. She and others who are interested in running for the three-year term are asked to come in and review what is needed to put the name one the ballot. McNary said District 8 must advertise by March 12 must about the board opening. Filing deadline will be April 11. McNary said this year, he is recommending a the District 8 election coincide with the District 1 election and the city of Williston polling.
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