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CALL TO ORDER   -   AUGUST 19, 2003

The special meeting of the Board of Trustees of School District No. 26, Lockwood Schools, Yellowstone County, was duly held at the Lockwood Board Room, 1932 U.S. Highway 87, Billings, Montana, on Tuesday, August 19, 2003, at 7:08 p.m.

Chairperson Tim Trafford presided. He led those present in the pledge of allegiance.

The following trustees and officers were present: Trustees: Tim Trafford, Teresa Stroebe, Greg Bochy, Becky Webber, Jim Painter, and Gayle Walker (arrived at 7:12 p.m.) Superintendent Eileen Johnson, and District Clerk Diane Brook. Trustee Robert Guenther was absent.

Registered guests were: Holly Sather, Clint Reynolds, and Larry Martin.

PUBLIC COMMENT ON SCHOOL ISSUES

Chairperson Trafford said any person, who wishes to do so at this point in the agenda, may address the board or raise any questions about public school district matters or governing policies. No discussion of personnel is permitted at this time. A limit of three minutes is placed on each speaker.

Clint Reynolds spoke. He urged the Board of Trustees to postpone or ask for a dismissal of the case. He felt the County Commissioners and he have stood up for the school, and he asked the trustees not to “cut the legs out from under them.”

Holly Sather reiterated Clint’s request.

MYERS’ LAWSUIT

Attorney Larry Martin gave an explanation of the lawsuit. He advised that it is a complaint seeking to condemn a right of way. Mr. Martin briefly reviewed pending litigation between Myers’ and Yellowstone County and Mr. Reynolds and the Myers’. He advised that the board needs to decide whether to defend their stance or settle the lawsuit.

Chairman Trafford closed the meeting at 7:23 p.m. to discuss matters of litigation since an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the school district.

The meeting was opened at 9:01 p.m.

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Special Board Meeting
August 19, 2003

Teresa Stroebe made a motion to authorize Attorney Larry Martin to defend the following lawsuit:

Merlin Myers, Trustee for the Merlin Myers Revocable Trust,
Dale Myers, and Terri Myers, Plaintiffs,

versus
Lockwood Schools District #26, a subdivision of
Yellowstone County, Defendants
Cause No. DV 03-0738: Judge Diane G. Barz.

__________________________________           ________________________________

         Timothy Trafford, Chairman                            Diane M. Brook, District Clerk

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