October 31, 2007 ACE Board Meeting
9:00 A. M. @ Billings Hotel and Convention Center

Present were board members Al Sipes, Andy Begger, Josh Middleton, Dave Huether, Tim Dolphay and Mark Brajcich.

Guests present were: Bill Schlepp, Deani Kirkness, Stephanie Long, Brenda Koch, Jennifer Hickok. Jerry Scott and Gail Richardson were also present

The group was entertained by surprise visit by a Halloween costumed old man who seemed to have a great attraction to the ladies present, especially Gail Richardson. The guesses of the group of who was behind the mask went un answered until the statement was made that he was not a staff member of any ACE school because it looked like he had very poor dental insurance. That brought a laugh from the man behind the mask … Bob Barnes. Bob updated the group on his many retirement activities.

1. Al Sipes called the meeting to order at 9:00 A. M. and made sure everyone knew each other.


2. Dave Huether moved to approve the September 26, 2007 minutes. Mark Brajcich seconded the motion which passed 6 – 0.


3. After review, Tim Dolphay moved to approve the financial report. Dave Huether seconded the motion which passed 6 – 0.


4. Correspondence: Jerry went over some e-mails dealing with the September 10 PIR day. Those present stated that schools that choose to attend the PIR days need to be prepared. Everyone choosing to come need to have an attitude to learn. Andy Begger reported that some of his staff is using McGarvey’s book in their book club, which will help them be ready for the next session. The group felt that this was a good idea. Stephanie Long stated that anyone can glean what they want if they have the proper attitude. Those present felt the workshop was a good success and are looking forward to the March session with McGarvey. Jerry said he would visit with McGarvey and get better information out to the members in January for the March 3 PIR day.


5. A final Report on September 10, 2007 PIR Day was presented. After expenses and collection of the $15 registration fee, the bus driver training cost was about $768 and the McGarvey workshop cost was about $9,790.


6. The board continued their discussion of March 3, 2008 PIR day with the consensus being to stay the course with McGarvey. On the idea to purchase her book before the workshop, the board directed Jerry to check on prices for volume purchasing. Jerry was also instructed to check into the possibility of using one of the Billings public schools for the March 3 PIR day because they are on spring break that day. The board felt that the last poll / survey given gave enough information that another one was not necessary. When asked if ACE should look into the purchase banner, the board felt that everyone who attends any of the ACE workshops realize who ACE is. Jerry wondered if ACE should look into liability insurance. The board directed him to look into it further and report back at the next meeting.


7. Deani Kirkness reviewed the ACE web site. She is open to any suggestions for the site. The group felt that Deani is doing a super job and that the site is very helpful. Gail reported that she had done some sessions with member schools on how to use the site. She said the information was well received by those in attendance.


8. Jerry reported on the region III resource partners professional development grant, which is now called SMART… Southern Montana Alliance for Resources and Training. He reviewed the agenda from the last meeting stating that they are working on by-laws, a mission statement and Indian education for all training. The next meeting is scheduled for December 10th at MSU-Billings.


9. Gail Richardson summarized the last curriculum reviews. K – 4 Language Arts met twice and Health and P. E. and Guidance met once. As she completes them, Gail will send the final copies of the revised curriculum to Deani who will put them on the mtace.org web site. Gail felt this would be faster than waiting until the end of the year. Gail said all three groups worked very hard and did a super job.


10. Jerry reviewed the September 28 meeting of the MASCD board and the A- Z meeting. The emphasis that day focused on the whole child campaign that the national ASCD is working on. A printed report summarizing the meeting was distributed to those present.


11. The board discussed several suggested ACE activities / meetings.
    
    
    1. The board felt that they would like to do some type of retreat in order to review and set goals for the next 3 to 5 years.
    2. The board felt that ACE should set schedule a meeting for principal alone in order to share and review how ACE materials are being used.
    3. The board felt that specific subject area gatherings where teachers could share what they are doing and how they use ACE materials was being done in the curriculum review sessions.
    4. The board felt that it was unnecessary to have a steering committee meeting because ACE has the results from the last survey along with evaluations from the PIR days to help the board address future ACE PIR days.


12. Next ACE board meeting will be on November 28th at 9:00 AM in the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 A.M.