July 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM - BSD#7 Regular Board Meeting
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1. CALL TO ORDER
Discussion - Minutes:
Dr. Wanda Parisien called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m.
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2. OPENING PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Discussion - Minutes:
Duane Poitra and Scotty Vandal led the group in prayer.
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3. OATH of Office (Teri LaFountain, Dallas Morin and Dennis DeCoteau) — Duane Poitra
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4. SELECTION of Board President — Duane Poitra
Discussion - Minutes:
Teri LaFountaine moved to cease the nominations. Seconded by Dave Azure.
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5. SELECTION of Vice President - Duane Poitra
Discussion - Minutes:
Dave Azure moved to Nominate Teri LaFountain as the Vice President. Seconded by Dr. Wanda Parisien.
Eric Dionne moved to nominate Dennis DeCoteau as the Vice President. Seconded by Dallas Morin. Dave Azure moved to cease the nominations. Seconded by Eric Dionne. Duane noted each board member would be called upon in the meeting to cast their vote. Dennis DeCoteau voted Dennis D. Dallas Morin voted Dennis D. Dave Azure voted Teri L. Eric Dionne voted Dennis D. Scotty Vandal voted Dennis D. Dr. Wanda Parisien voted Teri L. Teri L. voted Teri L. Therefore, the VIce President is Dennis DeCoteau as called for the vote. |
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6. OPEN PUBLIC COMMENT
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7. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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8. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
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8.A. Approval of the Indian Policies & Procedures Waiver from TMBCI for FY 2028 Impact Aid Application Year — Duane Poitra
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8.B. Approval to Apply for Impact Aid & Join Impact Aid Associations — Duane Poitra
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8.C. Approval of the Monthly Regular Board Meetings for 2026 to 2027 — Duane Poitra
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8.D. Approval of Insurance Premiums 2026-2027 — Duane Poitra
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8.E. Designation of Official Newspaper — Duane Poitra
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8.F. Certification of Transportation Report to ND DPI 2025-26 - Duane Poitra
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8.G. Approval of SY 2026-2027 TMHS IDEA B Application — Danielle Sloan
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8.H. Designate Official Depository - Duane Poitra
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8.I. Approval of Designated Purchasing Agents 2026-2027 - Duane Poitra
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8.J. Designate Authorized Representative for Title I (Levi Gourneau) - Duane Poitra
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8.K. Designate Authorized Representative for Title II A& D (Levi Gourneau) - Duane Poitra
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8.L. Designate Authorized Representative for Title IV (Levi Gourneau) — Duane Poitra
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8.M. Designate Authorized Representative for Title VI (Levi Gourneau) — Duane Poitra
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8.N. Designate Authorized Representative for ND Rural Low Income Grant (Levi Gourneau) - Duane Poitra
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8.O. Designate Authorized Representative for USDA Summer Lunch Program, Food Service, Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Programs (Earl Demery) - Duane Poitra
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8.P. Designate Authorized Representative for Title VII 874 Impact Aid & E-Rate (Duane Poitra) - Earl Demery
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8.Q. Approval of a Plexi-pave Coated Surface to the EL Outdoor Basketball Court $28,587 - Duane Poitra
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8.R. Approval of Minutes 06-15-26 @ 12:00
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8.S. Approval of Minutes 06-17-26 @ 11:30
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8.T. Superintendent/Athletic Director Report - Dr. Shane Martin
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8.U. TMCS Assistant Superintendent/HR Director Report — Levi Gourneau
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8.V. TMMS Principal Report - Gaillord Peltier
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8.W. Approval of High School Grant Budget Revision in the amount of $802,665.00 — Earl Demery/ Duane Poitra
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8.X. Approval of Rental/Use of a District School Bus with Driver to Mikinok Enterprises — Duane Poitra
Description - Public:
Recommended Motion(s): MOTION to accept the requested use of a school bus and one driver for Mikinok Enterprises on August 5 and 6, 2026, with the recommendation for approval contingent upon the condition that the school bus shall not be used for transportation to or from any bar or establishment primarily serving alcohol.
Discussion - Minutes:
Dennis DeCoteau asked this item be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion. His concern is the alcohol involved with the tour scheduled. The schedule for the tour involved bar stops and a casino stop with a picnic where alcohol is allowed. Duane stated he spoke to the insurance agent, who recommended not allowing the alcohol. in case of an accident. Dennis motion is to deny this request. Other board members had the same concerns as Mr. DeCoteau. Eric Dionne noted he also had the same concerns expressed and is not comfortable with this event that includes alcohol.
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8.Y. Bid Award for the Football Field Parking Lot Project — Duane Poitra
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8.Z. Approval to Dispose of FY2016-17 and FY2017-18 Accounts Payable Records — Earl Demery
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8.AA. Business Manager Reports - Duane Poitra
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8.AB. TMHS Principal Report - Brad LaRocque
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9. ND BE LEGENDARY
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9.A. Approval of Board Self-Guardrails — Laurie Elliott
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10. OLD BUSINESS
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10.A. None
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11. NEW BUSINESS
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11.A. Designation of Board President and Business Manager as Authorized Signatures - Duane Poitra
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11.B. Appoint (1) School Board Member to the 100-297 HS Grant Board — Duane Poitra
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11.C. Appoint (1) School Board Member to the TMHS SIT (School Improvement Team) Committee — Duane Poitra
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11.D. Appoint (3) School Board Members to the Transportation Committee — Duane Poitra
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11.E. Appoint (3) School Board Members to the Budget Committee — Duane Poitra
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11.F. Appoint (3) School Board Members to the Construction/Facilities Committee — Duane Poitra
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11.G. Appoint BSD#7 Policy Committee (Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Dennis DeCoteau) - Levi Gourneau
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11.H. Appoint (2) Board Members Turtle Mountain Area Career Technology Center Committee (TMACTC) — Duane Poitra
Discussion - Minutes:
Discussion followed. Duane asked if there is a conflict of interest with Dr. Parisien, if employed by the TMC. After discussion it was deemed Dr. Parisien does not have a conflict, if in the future a possible conflict she will reconsider.
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11.I. Approval of Accounts Payable — Earl Demery
Discussion - Minutes:
*Dave Azure declared a conflict of interest and chose not to participate. Board members requested clarification regarding the following expenditures:
Duane explained that purchasing agents are responsible for managing their assigned budgets and ensuring all purchases comply with Board policy. Dennis questioned whether any of the vendors had exceeded the purchasing threshold that would require competitive bidding. Duane reviewed the applicable procurement policy, including the dollar thresholds for contractors, and confirmed that each purchase was made in accordance with Board policy. He also stated that the funding sources used for these expenditures had all been determined to be allowable. Duane further explained that Michael Lee Contracting provides gravel hauling services for the ongoing campus construction projects. He noted that the company is locally owned and operated by Michael Lee (Jerry Martin). Dennis also asked whether payments to TM Sports Officials exceeded the $25,000 threshold. Duane responded that this arrangement had previously been reviewed and approved by the District's attorney and the Board. Dennis stated that he remains uncomfortable with the expenditures and believes they are excessive. He expressed that the Board's primary focus should be on student growth and academic achievement; however, these expenditures have raised concerns that he believes warrant further review. Dr. Wanda commented that the District is located in a small community where many individuals are related to one another. She stated that family relationships alone should not disqualify qualified local individuals or businesses from being considered for work with the District. Dennis reiterated that he supports local businesses but recommended that the Board review Section H of the Board Policies related to Fiscal Management and Responsibilities to ensure the current policies remain appropriate. Dallas M. stated that he also supports utilizing local businesses whenever possible. |
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12. ADJOURNMENT
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