Highlights from the February 13, 2007 Board Meeting 

Ken Benny, Superintendent

Board of Trustees
Laura Murphy, President
Steve Sell, Vice-President/Clerk
John Duncan
Monib Khademi
Paula Reynolds

As part of our ongoing efforts to broaden our communications, we have instituted Board Highlights, an informal summary of the monthly Mill Valley School District Board Meetings. The official recorded minutes of our Board Meetings can be found at www.mvschools.org/board.

2007-2008 District Calendar Approved

The Board approved the 2007-08 Calendar based on 180 student days and 186 teacher work days. Superintendent Ken Benny was pleased to report that the District worked closely with the Mill Valley Teachers Association on this and noted that the calendar is congruent with the Marin county-wide school wide calendar. The first day of school begins Wednesday, August 29, 2007 and ends Wednesday, June 18, 2008. With the exception of the January 28 county-wide staff development day, the 2007-2008 staff development dates are to be determined; and will be posted soon.

 

School Volunteers Nominated for Golden Bell Awards

The Board enthusiastically approved the nominations of Michelle Griffin and Janet Miller as District recipients of the annual county-wide Golden Bell Awards. They were each presented certificates of appreciation by the Board.

Superintendent Ken Benny spoke of Michelle Griffin’s seven years of volunteering at the District. Superintendent Ken Benny and the entire Board thanked Michelle for her “invaluable knowledge and expertise”.  In addition to serving on the Old Mill School Site Council, Michelle led the District Communications Committee for two years, served on the 2002 Strategic Planning Committee, and currently serves on the Kiddo! Board, the District Strategic Funding Alliance, and the Superintendent’s Community Financial Advisory Commission.  

Assistant Superintendent Kerri Mills spoke ofJanet Miller’s “tireless and enthusiastic dedication” in her role in developing It Takes A Village, a PTA focused on the support of children with learning differences. Janet was also thanked for “calm, cool and objective presence” in all aspects of her work. Janet is currently Co-President of It Takes a Village. She accepted the honor on behalf of the entire group and thanked the District and Parents for their support.

The Golden Bell Award recipients will be honored at a special ceremony hosted by the Marin County Office of Education on May 30, 2007.  

Board and Superintendent Reports

Superintendent Ken Benny announced that in celebration of National School Board Month (January), the District would like to formally thank the Board for their hard work and dedication. The Board was presented with many letters of thanks from the schools. Kiddo! Executive Director Trisha Garlock also praised the Board for “everything you do to support kids!”

Board Member Monib Khademi was pleased to announce that the Strawberry Point School Casino Night raised $52,000 towards the restoration of Strawberry Field. 

Kindergarten Enrollment

Superintendent Ken Benny reported that in the first two days of Kindergarten registration, the District Office enrolled 176 Kindergarten students for the 2007-08 school year. This number is on par with last year, but 25-30 students down from 2005-2006.

 

February Study Session on Facilities

Superintendent Ken Benny encourages the public to attend the February Study Session on Facilites.  Vanir Construction will report on its findings as a result of the Facilities Needs Assessment they completed in behalf of the District. This report should set the stage for how the District will deal with capacity issues in our schools and the future quality of all our facilities. The Study Session will be held Monday, February 26, from 6-8 pm at the Mill Valley Middle School.

 

Technology Report

Dr. Paul Disario presented the results of the Technology Study he completed for the District. The study included a summary of findings and recommendations for the District. Some of the recommendations have already been implemented, and as a result, the District has already seen noticeable improvements in its technology services, particularly in the area of network stability.

Terry Kritsepis , Director of Technology, presented an update on the District’s technology infrastructure project. This project has been in the works for the past 18-24 months and is now realizing success.  The Board approved recommendations for additional funding to complete the project and bring the District’s infrastructure to industry standards.

Finance Report

Budget Process Update

Michele Rollins, Chief Business Official, reported on the Governor’s budget proposal.  As part each meeting for the remainder of the fiscal year, CBO Rollins will share budgeting information with Board and the general public. The next steps in the budgeting process will include the March Study Session on Finance.

 

March Board Study Session on Finance

The March Board Study Session on Finance is an opportunity for the Board and school community stakeholders to become better informed about our 2007-08 budget process. The Board, Superintendent, and Staff will discuss budget challenges and opportunities in the coming year.  The study session will be held Wednesday, March 28 at 7:00 pm at the Mill Valley Middle School. The public is encouraged to attend. 

 

Study on District’s Retiree Health Plan

An evaluation of the District’s retiree health plan was presented by John R. Botsford of Milliman Consultants and Actuaries. The required actuarial report provided by Mr. Botsford will advise the Board about the District’s financial responsibility to address future post-employee benefit costs.

 

Future Board Meetings

Regular meeting time – 7:00 PM, unless noted

Monday, February 26, 2007; 6-8 PM – Study Session: Facilities Needs Assessment Report 

Tuesday, March 13, 2007 –6-7 PM: Joint Meeting with MV City Council; Business: 7 PM: 2^nd Interim Budget Report

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 – Study Session: Finance

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 – Study Session: Student Learning

Monday, June 11, 2007

Tuesday, June 19, 2007 – Annual Budget Adoption  

 

 

Past Board Highlights 

January 23, 2007 Board Meeting Highlights