December 19, 2007 ACE Board Meeting
9:00 A. M. @ Billings Hotel and Convention Center

Present were ACE board members Andy Begger (had to leave early), Dave Huether, Tim Dolphay, Josh Middleton, Al Sipes, and Mark Brajcich.

1. Al Sipes called the meeting to order at 9:10 A.M. and made sure everyone knew each other.

2. After review, Tim Dolphay moved to approve the November 28, 2007 minutes.  Dave Huether seconded the motion which carried 5 – 0.  

3. After review Mark Brajcich moved to approve the financial report.  Tim Dolphay seconded the motion which passed 5 – 0.

4. The board continued their discussion of the March 3 PIR Day.  A handout of the schools that reported back showed 274 participants that will attend the PIR.  A list of suggestions for that day was included on the handout.
   
   Jerry reported that he visited the West High School cafeteria and found it to be too small to handle the 250 to 300 participants that are expected to attend.  West Highs’ auditorium would hold up to 600 if the board wished to use it.  Jerry also called the Mansfield Center and the Career Center, both of which were too small.  The ballroom at MSU-B would hold 300 but parking would be a problem.  Discussion followed as to the use of an auditorium vs a setting where participants could sit at tables.  The board felt that if Bea McGarvey wanted the participants to be at tables then ACE should find a place to do so.  Jerry will check other sites including Sky View High School, Crown Plaza, Holiday Inn, and Rocky Mountain College.  The use of a high school gym with a catering service was also discussed.
    
   Jerry said he would like to set up a phone conference with Bea McGarvey and the ACE board during the first week of January.  The board agreed that Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 1:00 would work for them if it works for Bea McGarvey.
   
   Brenda Koch asked Jerry to see what book Bea will be following for her presentation so schools could use them as a study guide before the workshop.

5. Discussion on the pros and cons of ACE having their own Liability insurance took place.  The cost with Western Insurance would be about $500 per year.  Jeanne Carroll, the Joliet School Clerk, said she would help complete the necessary forms.  Tim Dolphay moved that ACE obtain liability insurance with Dave Huether seconding the motion.  The motion carried 5 – 0. 

6. Tim Dolphay also moved that ACE obtain a federal tax ID number.  Dave Huether seconded the motion which carried 5 – 0.

7. Deani Kirkness reviewed the ACE Web site including a site that tracked of usage.  The board directed Deani to add the ACE K – 6 teacher / parent booklets, an educational opportunity site, and a PIR day link.  Gail will continue to give Deani the curriculum revisions.  Jerry will send Deani the booklet disk.  Deani asked that the member schools send her their email and web site information.

8. Gail Richardson reported that she attended the December 17 SMART board meeting for ACE.  Gail summarized the following information from the meeting: 1) all out of state teachers with a qualified certificate will receive a class 5 provisional Montana certificate until the take a level 1 Indian Education for All course.  2) Montana teachers must have IEA level 1training.  3) Mentor training is available as an on line course and must be taken by Montana teachers by 2009.  5) School need to complete their five year plan in 2008.  A lively discussion followed and the question was asked if the Montana Board of Public Education has approved these items.  Gail said that Claudette Morton from MSSA told her that these 5 things had to be done.  Those attending the South Central Administrator’s meeting at 11:00 will ask Al McMilin for clarification.

9. ACE January dates were reviewed.
   
   January 17 … Grades 5 – 8 Language Arts Curriculum Review … will be facilitated by Gail Richardson and held at DJ’s in Laurel.  Gail said she already sent an email-requesting participants. As of today 5 have indicated that they will attend.
   
   January 23 … ACE principal’ meeting and law seminar with Jeff Weldon.  Josh Middleton said he has been in contact with SAM and they were willing to host this workshop at Laurel for the Yellowstone area principals The next closest workshop is in Miles City.  Josh said he wanted the day to be devoted to the principals discussing how the principals were using the ACE curriculum, how they assessed the curriculum and how they lead their staff in the use.  The board asked Jerry what he had planned for the workshop. Jerry said his plan was to briefly go over the ACE materials, the ACE web site, training opportunities from ACE including I-Analyze, and use of curriculum and assessment.  The board felt this was too much to cover and emphasis should be on the use of curriculum.  They felt it was important that the ACE principals be able to gather and share with each other.  Stephanie suggested ACE do a needs survey and send it to the principals before the meeting.  The board felt the school law workshop would be a great benefit to the principals as well and instructed Jerry to contact Jeff Weldon to see if he would do a half day presentation for ACE principals.  The board felt that the rest of the day should be devoted to discussion of the use of ACE curriculum.  Josh said he would contact SAM and inform them of ACE’s plan.  Jerry will contact Jeff Weldon.

10. The January 28 date for the ACE board retreat at the Lupine Inn in Red Lodge would not work for some of the board members.  Wednesday, February 6, 2008 will work and Jerry was instructed to change the date accordingly. One of the topics at the retreat will deal with what professional development ACE should focus on for the next 3 to 5 years.

11. Jerry reported that he is registered to attend the Courage to Lead Retreat for Montana Educational Leaders in Bozeman on March 6 – 8.  There is room for others to attend if they wish.  No one present indicated that they could attend.

12. Jerry asked if the board had any suggestions for a director’s evaluation.  He said he requested the Golden Triangle group to send him a copy of the one they use. The board said they could discuss this item at the retreat.


13. The next ACE board meeting will be held on January 30th, 2008 at 9:00 in the Billings Hotel and Convention Center.