BOARD MINUTES
RISING SUN-OHIO COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
August 9, 2007
The regular session of the Board of School Trustees was held as advertised on August 9, 2007 at 7:08 P.M. in the administration building. Members present were Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, and Superintendent Stephen Patz. Also present were Keith Majewski, Patty Huff, Tom Bruns, Denny Carrigan, Sue Walcott, Nancy Swart, Mary Jo Rowell, Lisa Nobbe, Robert White, Tiffany Walcott, Kevin Smith, Gloria Holland, and Tim Hillman.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of the Board reviewed minutes from the July 10, 2007 and July 20, 2007 board meeting. The minutes were approved by signature.
Members of the Board reviewed claims. After a brief discussion, the claims were approved by signature.
Tom Bruns presented an update on the construction project. They are completing work on the elementary kitchen, the Home Economics and Shop areas at the high school. The necessary inspections have been completed on the kitchen and fire alarms and the work is now concentrated on the painting of the hallways. The new keyless entry system has been installed which will permit access to the staff at the appropriate times and areas of the buildings. The project is in the process of wrapping up and will end by completing items on a punch list. There were several words of appreciation for Dave Neff, site construction supervisor, Jack Lillie, Director of IT, and the custodial staff for the outstanding work that they have accomplished during this project.
Mr. Patz presented a letter of resignation from Rebecca Eldridge as Pre-School/Elementary Aide. Mrs. Eldridge accepted a teaching position at a Northern Kentucky school system. Mr. Patz noted that Mrs. Eldridge has held this position for the past few years and will be missed. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Felix Massey III, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Felix Massey III, and Jamie Bell.
The Superintendent recommended Valerie Cummings as new Pre-School/Elementary Aide. Mrs. Cummings has been a substitute at the school for several years and is familiar with the position. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Felix Massey III to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Felix Massey III, and Jamie Bell.
Mr. Patz presented the Volunteer Policy for the second reading. Nancy Swart was recognized to present some staff concerns with the policy. Mrs. Swart questioned if the policy included volunteers such as one-time speakers, a parent that would read a book to a class or have current event topic? She also stated that the school system needs more involvement from the parents and community, but the policy may cause the school system to drift away from the community. After a brief discussion concerning proposed changes to the policy by the Board of School Trustees, Mr. Patz recommended adopting the policy with the changes. The changes are: Volunteer workers may grade student papers with a yearly written or as required approval of the building principal and the School Board; Classroom programs presented by a volunteer should be approved by the building principal. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Felix Massey III to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Felix Massey III, and Jamie Bell.
The Superintendent presented a report on the Summer League and the committees findings. The committee is recommending an Advisory Board be formed to make suggestions to and support the League Director. The Board would consist of the Director, High School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, OCEMS Assistance Principal/ Athletic Director, one coach from each T-Ball, Pee-Wee Baseball, Pee-Wee Softball, Little League, Minor League Softball, Major League Softball, and at least one Lion’s Club member if one of the members mentioned in not a club member. Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by Corey Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, and Jamie Bell.
Mr. Patz presented the bids for the cafeteria equipment to be opened along with the recommendation of bid being awarded to the highest bidder. They are as follows:
Rise-N-Shine Café - $150.00 for one set.
$250.00 for two sets
Rising Sun Church of Christ - $75.00 per set.
Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by Corey Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, and Jamie Bell.
The Superintendent presented a certificate to renew Pam Cocanougher as Indiana Cooperataive Library Service representative. Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by Corey Potts to approved the renewal, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Corey Potts and Jamie Bell.
Mr. Patz presented a change to the 1st and 2nd grade book fees. There was a change concerning a workbook which decreased the fees to $65.50 for 1st grade and $68.10 for 2nd grade. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Felix Massey III to approved the change, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Felix Massey III, and Jamie Bell.
Mrs. Holland reminded everyone that there will be a Kindergarten Open House on Monday at 6:30 P.M. This will give the teacher an opportunity to review the day’s structure for the students. The Open House for the OCEMS will be on August 21st.
Senate Bill 408 was a topic of a brief discussion. State funding, local funding, grants, and curriculum were some of the issues discussed. The Board of School Trustees requested Mr. Patz give periodic updates on the grants and what they apply to.
The Board of School Trustees of the Rising Sun-Ohio County Community School Corporation did not discuss any subject matter in executive session other than the topic specified in the public notice.
The meeting adjourned at 8.16 P.M.