BOARD MINUTES
Rising Sun-Ohio County Community School Corporation
February 11, 2010
The regular session of the Board of School Trustees was held as advertised on February 11, 2010 at 7:23 P.M. in the administration building (moved from Tuesday, February 9th due to inclement weather). Members present were Felix Massey III, Christopher Whitham, Corey Potts, Harlan Holt Hoffman, and Superintendent Stephen Patz. Also present were Gloria Holland, Patty Huff, Noel Bostic, Robert White, Keith Majewski, Angie Wilson, and Ron Eads.
Meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes for January 12, 2010 were reviewed. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Christopher Whitham to approve the minutes, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Christopher Whitham, Harlan Holt Hoffman, and Felix Massey III.
Claims were reviewed. After a brief discussion, upon motion by Harlan Holt Hoffman and seconded by Christopher Whitham to approve the claims, members voted as follows: Aye – Harlan Holt Hoffman, Christopher Whitham, Corey Potts, and Felix Massey III.
Mr. Patz presented a request for maternity leave from Lindsey Merica. Mrs. Merica requested a six-week leave from delivery date. Upon motion by Harlan Holt Hoffman and seconded by Christopher Whitham, to approve the leave request, members voted as follows: Aye – Harlan Holt Hoffman, Christopher Whitham, Corey Potts, and Felix Massey III.
The Superintendent presented a letter of resignation from Matthew Phillips for the Middle School Track Coach position. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Harlan Holt Hoffman to accept the resignation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Harlan Holt Hoffman, Christopher Whitham, and Felix Massey III.
Mr. Patz recommended Ron Eads as the High School Baseball Assistant Coach. It was noted that Mr. Eads has been the Co-Assistant Baseball Coach for the past few years. Upon motion by Christopher Whitham and seconded by Corey Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye- Christopher Whitham, Corey Potts, Harlan Holt Hoffman, and Felix Massey III.
The Superintendent presented a letter of resignation from Sue Walcott for the Science Club Sponsor. Mr. Patz noted that Mrs. Walcott stated the main reason for the resignation was due to low student participation. Upon motion by Harlan Holt Hoffman and seconded by Christopher Whitham to accept the resignation, members voted as follows: Aye – Harlan Holt Hoffman, Christopher Whitham, Corey Potts, and Felix Massey III.
Patty Huff presented an update on the 1st semester of participation with the AC/DC program. Ms. Huff reported that 11 middle school students, a majority being 6th graders, were sent to the program. Of those students, 2 were repeat offenders who are now at either the ROD or Alternative School facilities. These numbers are as compared to 8 students suspended last year, with 3 repeat offenders. 2 of those students have since moved away.
Mr. Bostic reported 24 high school students were sent to the AC/DC program of which 4 were repeat offenders. This compares to 30 students suspended last year with 12 repeat offenders. Mr. Bostic and Ms. Huff both state that the students do not like to attend the program and that parents being responsible for the transportation to the program have both been positive factors. The program also requires students to complete their classroom work, which is a great improvement in itself. There was a brief discussion on the program administration and the continued funding. It was noted that the grant used to fund this program has been in place for several years but the AC/DC has been established for only a year and a half. The probation department believes that this is a better use of the grant money. The grant money is applied and received by the probation department.
The Superintendent presented a recommendation of increasing the Summer League fees from $25.00 to $35.00 per participant. If this rate is approved, there will be no discount offered to multiple family members due to record keeping difficulties. Mr. Patz noted with the sign and team sponsorships and the participation fees, the summer program should be self-sufficient, including the wages for the summer program director. There was a brief discussion as to the cost compared to other area programs. Upon motion by Christopher Whitham and seconded by Harlan Holt Hoffman to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye –Christopher Whitham, Harlan Holt Hoffman, Corey Potts, and Felix Massey III.
Mr. Patz presented the 2010-2011 School Calendar with the recommendation for approval. Mr. Patz stated the beginning date of August 10th for students was in line with the Southeastern Career Center. The Career Center takes into account all area school calendars in their calendar process. After a brief discussion, upon motion by Christopher Whitham and seconded by Harlan Holt Hoffman to approve the calendar, members voted as follows: Aye –Christopher Whitham, Harlan Holt Hoffman, Corey Potts, and Felix Massey III.
Mr. Patz noted that as of today, there are 4 make-up days that are not being used before graduation is scheduled. If there are more than 4 snow days from this point forward, the Board may need to make the decision to move the graduation date or have some Saturday sessions.
Mr. Patz gave a brief update on the budget. The State has again missed the projected revenue for January by approximately $70 million. This could be a negative factor to the school general fund now being funded by state sales tax and not property tax. Mr. Patz suggested establishing a Rainy Day Fund later this calendar year to help stabilize any future funding problems. The Rainy Day Fund could be excess funds left in the Bus Replacement Fund, Capital Projects Fund or Transportation Fund. There was a brief discussion on the use of a referendum as a possibility compared to the Rainy Day Fund. It was noted that referendums are difficult to pass in today’s economic situation.
The Rising Sun-Ohio County Community Schools Board of Trustees wanted to reiterate their appreciation to the City Council for their contribution of $125,000 to help the school funding shortfall as the result of the 3% budget cuts by the State. The Board will address the County Council for additional assistance at the next council meeting on February 26th. There was also a discussion regarding an earnest formal request to the Regional Foundation for $30,000 for class supplies.
The Board of School Trustees reiterated that no decisions have been made regarding cuts in staff at this time other than one cafeteria position.
Mr. Majewski gave a short update on Nova Net which is in its 2nd week. He stated that any member of the board that is interested in following the progress may do so online.
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.
Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Harlan Holt Hoffman to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 P.M., members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Harlan Holt Hoffman, Christopher Whitham, and Felix Massey III.