Manila, Utah

January 28, 2010

A special meeting of the Daggett Board of Education was held in Room 6 of the district office building on January 28, 2010. President Asbill called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Also attending were members Jones, Barber, Olsen and Pallesen; Superintendent Northcott; Business Administrator Robinson; Guy Durrant, Carol Raymond, Jessica Christensen, Sarah Wolford, John Martineau, Teresa Draper, Sandra Jones, Dawn Slagowski, Deborah Bergmeier, Bette Dickison, Clark Anderson, Kenra Chidester, Gretchen Northcott, Kathy Parkinson and various architecture firms personnel.

The Board interviewed the four architect firms they had chosen as their top choices from the nine RFP’s that were received. Those four were: Eaton, PRW, NJRA and SL&A.

Clark Anderson commented that last spring at a meeting intended to educate the employees of Daggett School District, he was humbled and awed at the generosity and selflessness that was expressed at that meeting by many of those employees who were also in attendance at the present meeting. As Mr. Anderson continued, he said that it was made known to those present at the meeting last spring that revenues fell short of expenditures and many employees were more concerned about their colleagues losing their jobs than about their own personal wealth. Most of all, most if not all employees were more focused on maintaining programs for student benefit than for personal gain. He said those employees were committed then, and have demonstrated up to now their commitment to quality education for Daggett School District students. His fear is, that if there are funds available right now for four consecutive years and if these funds could be used to restore and furnish steps as intended as their employee/employer relationship and that these funds instead get committed tonight to Capital Projects, that the commitment demonstrated by these employees will not be reciprocated by the employer. He felt the consequences of this decision could be felt for years. Some of the consequences are foreseeable. In a year or two we might have a little more room but might have to lay off an aide or cut a program that benefits students. Another might be that in a couple of months in a meeting with employees it will be fun to see who volunteers to come down and tell us what a great bunch of employees we have but we wish there was enough money available to live up to our end of the bargain. But we have none. I’ve told you about the dedication of these employees and want to appreciate and recognize your dedication, knowing that you are committed to the education of the students of Daggett School District. He felt confident that Daggett School Board would have the courage to meet their obligations and make the difference on this decision. He delivered a document that stated “We are opposed to using the Forest Monies to finance a new building, while our salaries are frozen and out belts are being tighten for other obligations.” The document was signed by: Clark Anderson, Scott Taylor, Nella Lamb, Bette Dickison, Carol Raymond, Dawn Slagowski, Kim Stephens, Betty Tinker, Chad Reed, Harriet Dickerson, Guy Gonder, Sarah Wolford, Kenra Chidester, Lucille Durrant, Marie Wilkinson, Jessica Christensen, Brian Dettling, Vickie Briggs, Sandra Jones, Dot Coombs, Deb Bergmeier, William Schell, Sandy Kunkel, Shay Mosley, Julie Rogers.

Following a lengthy discussion it was the consensus of the employees at the meeting that they would like to see the Forest Reserve money be saved in case of further budget cuts, and not be spent on buildings. It was reiterated that this is one-time money and should not be tied to the salary schedule. The intent of the Forest Reserve money was for improvement of public schools. The Superintendent is researching loan and grant options.

John Martineau, indicated as a resident and taxpayer of the county, he would like to see these building projects happen. It would put more people working and help stimulate the local businesses.

Discussion was held regarding the architect interviews. Mr. Olsen moved to approve NJRA as our architect if their fees are reasonable and they will do what we want. Motion was seconded by Mrs. Barber, motion carried unanimously.

There being no further business the meeting was declared adjourned.

President, Board of Education Clerk, Board of Education