BOARD MINUTES
RISING SUN-OHIO COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
October 9, 2007
The regular session of the Board of School Trustees was held as advertised on October 9, 2007 at 7:18 P.M. in the administration building. Members present were Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, Larry Thayer, and Superintendent Stephen Patz. Also present were Keith Majewski, Nancy Swart, Robert White, Gloria Holland, Mavis Uhlmansiek, Debbie McKinley, Tim Elbright, Sandy Ande-Walker, Ginger Wills, George Wills, Jenna Fancher, Patty Huff, and Karen Lovern.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of the Board reviewed minutes from the September 18, 2007 board meetings. The minutes were approved by signature.
Members of the Board reviewed claims. After a brief discussion, the claims were approved by signature.
Mr. & Mrs. George Wills addressed the Board of School Trustees with a request for a change in the elementary-middle school policy that does not permit nose piercing. Mr. & Mrs. Wills stated that they felt a clear nose stud was not as distracting as the band-aid their daughter is required to use to cover the piercing. They also stated that in their opinion, a student with multiple ear piercing is a bigger distraction, and they feel the middle school should have the same rules as the high school on this issue. Mrs. Bell, Board President, thanked Mr. & Mrs. Wills for sharing their concerns, and by consensus of the Board, the issue will be taken under advisement.
Sandy Ande-Walker, Cafeteria Supervisor, presented a report on the cafeteria program. The Cafeteria staff was proud of the progress they have accomplished over the years. At the elementary-middle school, having the new walk-in freezer and cooler are great additions. They are now serving 100-105 students breakfast every morning. This is up from 60 last year. Al La Cart is now available down to the 4th grade level with more choices of fruits, vegetable and juices.The breakfast program at the high school serves up to 27 per morning. The program is smaller with students eating on the go and stopping at the convenience stores on the way to school. Along with the Wellness Policy, the staff is always on the lookout for companies with new products. It was stated that there are two coolers at the elementary-middle school and one at the high school holding 16 cases of milk, 50 cartons per case, filled once per week. There was a brief discussion on the vending machines and the healthier choices they now provide the students such as granola bars, cheese sticks, trail mix and milk.
Ms. Holland presented a report on the progress of all-day kindergarten. There are 5 less kindergarten students this year, but the building student total is up by 21 students. The kindergarten teachers reported that all is going well with the majority of the academic subjects being accomplished in the morning, and the more physical activities being done in the afternoon such as art, music and physical education. The teachers are able to spend more time with each student and accomplish the standards. They are able to focus on communication and social skills and better assess the students’ abilities. Compared to last year at this time, the students are achieving at a higher level.
Ms. Holland presented a report on the High Ability Coordinators’ Meeting she attended. She stated there was a discussion of the new legislative code, which differentiates curriculum and instruction content and sets the base for program effectiveness. There was a need to review the current program and services and how to expand and change the program based on the Indiana Standards. She reported that there will be an increase in appropriation to be used for professional development opportunities and develop the current program. There was a brief discussion on the planning year ahead for the program committee and the possible use of the funding..
The Superintendent recommended the date of November 8, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. be set for the deadline for letters of interest for the Board vacancy. This would give a sufficient amount of time for the board to review the possible candidates before the November 13th meeting. After a brief discussion on the difference in the school district lines compared to township lines, upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded Tim Adams to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Corey Potts, and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Patz presented a brief update on the building project. The cabinet doors in the Home Economics room have been replaced, work on the handicapped entry problem is to be addressed this evening with less and less punch list items remaining. Mr. Patz was glad to report that the project was approximately 7% or $600,000 under the projected budget. Mr. Patz stated that the bond money must be spent and legally can not be returned. This lead to a discussion of possible related projects and costs to be reviewed at the next board meeting.
The Superintendent recommended a 2.25% raise retroactive to July 1, 2007, for all non-certified staff and administrators. He also recommended an increase to the corporation health insurance allowance of $32 for the Employee coverage, $57 for the Employee & Child(ren), $66 for the Employee & Spouse, and $83 for Employee & Family Plans to be effective with new January rates for non-certified staff. Upon motion by Larry Thayer and seconded by Tim Adams to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Larry Thayer, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III, and Corey Potts.
Mr. Patz recommended not to extend bus service to Meggie’s Kiddie Care and to stop bus service to the Rising Sun Church of Christ Child Care beginning January 1, 2008. This would revert back to the no town bus service policy. Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by Cory Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, and Larry Thayer.
By consensus, the Board of School Trustees tabled the Athletic Grading Policy to a later date.
The Superintendent presented a request to attend the FCCLA National Cluster Meeting, on November 9-11, 2007 at Atlanta, Georgia, from Mrs. Theising. This would be for Mrs. Theising, Mrs. O’Shaughnessy, and 10 FCCLA members to leave on Friday morning and return on Sunday evening. After a brief discussion on possible modes of travel, upon motion by Larry Thayer and seconded by Tim Adams to approve the request, members voted as follows: Aye – Larry Thayer, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III, and Corey Potts.
Mr. Patz presented a recommendation from Ms. Holland regarding approval of Mrs. Thelma Dibble for grading papers for the elementary-middle school. Upon motion by Tim Adams and seconded by Corey Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Tim Adams, Corey Potts, Jamie Bell, Larry Thayer, and Felix Massey III.
Under miscellaneous items, Mr. Patz presented a request from Mr. Kevin Smith and 3 student council members to attend their annual State Convention. The students will be leaving Friday after school on November 9, and return on Sunday, November 11, 2007. Upon motion Larry Thayer and seconded by Corey Potts to approve the request, members voted as follows: Aye – Larry Thayer, Corey Potts, Jamie Bell, Tim Adams, and Felix Massey III.
Mr. Patz wanted to remind everyone of the open house set for Sunday October 28th at 2:00 P.M. The notice will be in this month’s Superintendent’s Corner, a press release will be sent to WSCH radio, and fliers will be sent home with students.
The Superintendent shared a letter he received from a group of citizens working toward the renaming of the restored 1832 First Presbyterian Church in honor of Eunice Kittle, in appreciation for all of her service to the community.
Members of the Board of School Trustees inquired about any Regional Foundation grant applications. Mr. Majewski stated he had two staff members with applications, and a few others working on applications. There are 15 high school and 20 elementary-middle Ohio County Community Foundation Classroom Teacher grant applications pending.
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 8.43 P.M.