June 4, 2008 ACE Board Meeting
10:30 am @ Red Lodge Golf Club House

Present were ACE board members Al Sipes, Tim Dolphay, Josh Middleton, Andy Begger, and Mark Brajcich.  Jerry Scott was also present.

Guests present were Dan Lantis, Al Buerkle, Andrea Fisher, Brenda Koch, Bill Schlepp, and Chad Johnson.

1. Al Sipes called the meeting to order at 10:45 A.M.

2. Mark Brajcich moved to approve the April 30, 2008 minutes as presented.  Andy Begger seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.

3. Josh Middleton moved to approve the financial report as presented and Mark Brajcich seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.

4. Correspondence: Springdale Elementary sent a letter stating that their board determined that Springdale’s curriculum planning needs are better met by a different curriculum organization and will no longer be using the services of ACE Consortium.  The board discussed the contractual clause stating that a member school needs to give a years notice before revoking their ACE membership.  The board concluded that because Springdale is a small rural school the effect to ACE would be minimal and directed Jerry to respond by accepting the letter of resignation.
   
   The Joliet clerk/business manager, Jeanne Carroll, sent a thank you card for the gift card the ACE board purchased in appreciation of her services to ACE.
   

5. A list of the 7 summer workshops offered by ACE was reviewed.  The list can be found on the ACE web site at mtace.org.  The question of reimbursement for the instructors was brought up.  Andy Begger moved to pay summer instructors at a rate of $25 per hour for up to a 6-hour workshop day plus and additional $25 for prep time for a 6-hour workshop.  Tim Dolphay seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.

6. A list of ASCD Professional Development Online Courses was distributed with a suggestion that ACE may want to consider using such courses in the future, perhaps even helping pay for a part of the cost.  No action was taken.

7. Northwest Regional Labs is offering a 6 + 1 Trait Writing for Trainers Institute on July 8 – 10 in Lincoln City, Oregon.  It was suggested that ACE send some of its 6 Trait trainers in order to continue with their training.  A discussion followed on the value of using 6 + 1 Trait Writing in the schools, especially since most college entrance exams require a form of 6 Trait writing.  During the discussion it was determined that the present ACE trainers have been utilized during the PIR days as well as in some individual member schools, especially at their own schools.  Those present felt that member schools could utilize the ACE trainers more.  The board felt that more training would be valuable especially because of the number of new teachers each year.  The group felt that digital writing and the new Montana Technology standards would not meet the needs of a high school student’s future requirements, but 6 + 1 traits would.  Josh Middleton moved to pay all the expenses to send up to 4 of the ACE trainers to the institute on the condition that they provide training at the two ACE PIR days as well as additional training at two member schools.    Andy Begger seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.  Jerry will contact the trainers to see which ones wish to go and make all necessary arrangements.  The board also instructed Jerry to devise a means of keeping track of the training ACE members do throughout the year.

8. A list of possible main speakers for the ACE September 8, 2008 and March 2, 2009 PIR days was reviewed.  After discussion Mark Brajcich moved that ACE contract with Dr. Joe Whelan to present on September 8, 2008, Dr. Dan McCormack be invited to do sectionals on that day, Dr. Jane Pollock be contracted to present on March 2, 2009, and Dr. Harry Wong be contracted to present on September 14, 2009.  Josh Middleton seconded the motion which carried 5 – 0.  Jerry was instructed to make all the arrangements.
   
   Jerry reported that the September 8, 2008 PIR day will be held at Laurel High School and the March 2, 2009 PIR day will be held at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.
   
   The board suggested that at least 20 different sectionals be held during the upcoming PIR days because of the size of the group attending.   The board suggested that those attending be split such that the K – 6 teachers attend the main speaker in the morning and the 7 – 12 teachers select from sectionals.  The groups will flip flop in the afternoon.  A list of possible sections was reviewed.  A question of how to pay the instructors was brought up, especially since the majority of presenters are already being paid by their districts to attend the PIR day.  Mark Brajcich moved to pay to ACE member presenters an honorarium of $75 for a half-day session and $150 for a full day plus expenses.  Non-ACE instructors will be paid at their contracted rate.  Andy Begger seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.  The board also gave Jerry the authority to contract presenters at a different rate if necessary.

9. The board decided that Para-professional’s can attend the regular sessions of the ACE PIR days and a separate training would not be necessary.  The group felt that there would be other opportunities for separate Para-professional training offered by the state and/or other groups.

10. Jerry reported that he had visited with Jeff Weldon about the need for ACE Liability insurance.  Jeff felt that the Joliet policy would cover the organization and that other personnel would be covered by their own district’s policy.  No further action will be taken at this time.

11. A copy of the results of the ACE survey / membership letter summary was presented.  The survey is to get an idea of how many will be attending various ACE activities scheduled for next year.  Jerry will pursue those who have not responded.

12. A revised 2008 – 2009 Curriculum review schedule was distributed.  The schedule can also be found on the ACE web site. Specific dates and times will be announced at the beginning of the school year.

13. Both Jerry and Gail will be participating in the OPI June 24 – 27 Essential Learning Workshop in Billings.  Jerry felt the experience, as well as the expertise from the workshop leader Lisa Carter, would help with future ACE curriculum reviews.

14. A printed report from Gail Richardson summarizing the ACE Indian Education for All activities was distribuited.  The final two classes will be on June 28 to Plenty Coups and on August 23 to the Crow fair.  All members are invited to participate.  Information can be found on the ACE web site.
    
    The final report from the Canyon Creek teachers who attended the national ASCD conference was also handed out.

15. Next Ace board meeting was set for August 27, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. in the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.  The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 with lunch being served.