School board reviews conflict of interest policy

The Hot Springs County School Board began their September meeting as usual with the acceptance of the current agenda and then onto monthly celebrations.

Thermopolis Middle School Principal Breez Longwell Daniels addressed the board, giving reasons why TMS secretary Brenda Cornwell was the August Staff Member of the Month because of her dedication to the students and the public. Superintendent Dustin Hunt also had great words for RWE secretary Susan Little, the September Staff Member of the Month. Superintendant Hunt wanted the board to know that these ladies are the face of the schools and have the trust of the public and the students alike. Lastly was the September Teacher of the Month, Mary McGilivray, the RWE music educator. Her hard work includes after school projects and representing RWE in several out of county events.

Student trustee Tyler Cornwell reported to the board on several school activities. Jenny Davis, the Afterschool Program Coordinator, presented a slideshow for the Lights On program.

The board then moved on to address a continuation from the August meeting about Policy BCB Board Member Conflict of Interest. The policy was adopted in 1992 to prevent board members from using their position to gain better opportunities for family members or themselves.

Trustee Dr. Travis Bomengen was not present; but through a text message read by Chairman Tobi Johansen stated that he would like to keep the current policy after talking to several community members.

After setting the motion up for further discussion Trustee Danny Pebbles started the discussion with his interpretation of the old policy “it is a all or none policy, it either applies to everyone or to no one” Pebbles stated. He presented several examples to the board on why the policy is about perception from the community and fairness to the board. It would be difficult to get away from hiring people with in the community that are not related due to the size of the town.

Trustee Jenifer Axtell said she feels there is not really a conflict of interest.

The board Treasurer Nichole Weyer mentioned that there are several community members who are related to various administrators with in the system. Why would it just apply to the board? Chairman Johansen responded with, “There is nobody higher than us.”

Trustee Clay Van Antwerp retorted that it is not about perception, they are putting added pressure on current and future administrators “With mathematical certainty some day somebody will get hired that was not qualified as this person over here because how they are related to a board member.” Van Antwerp said.

The discussion continued on with worries about the fairness of the old policy and just how much detail should be amended to the policy. Board members were concerned about the future effect that this could have on the county and administrators? After much deliberation, the board voted six to one to table the motion indefinitely.

The board moved on to other business with a motion to approve an operation loan from Central Bank and Trust for the amount of $500,000 for potential cash flow problems from state and local funding. The motion was approved with a unanimous vote.

Chairman Tobi Johansen made a motion to revise the purchase policy. The revision will grant special consideration for local bidders that are with in 5% from the lowest bid. The motion was approved.

The Board moved into executive session to discuss personnel, salaries and benefits.

To finish out the meeting Superintendent Dustin Hunt gave his report. He mentioned that the School Improvement Survey is coming up. The last time it was offered, only 18 surveys were returned so there needs to be more effort in communication and participation from the public. The results must be in by November 1, 2015; this will affect the district’s accreditation.

Ending on a positive note Hunt was happy to say the district is up 52 students this year.

The full version of the boards minutes can be found on Hot Springs County School District website.