BOARD MINUTES
RISING SUN-OHIO COUNTY COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
September 18, 2007
The regular session of the Board of School Trustees was held as advertised on September 18, 2007 at 7:05 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, Mary Jo Rowell, Robert White, Gloria Holland, Stephanie Penvose, Samantha Courter, Mavis Uhlmansiek, Melinda Kittle, Debbie Cole, Jack Lillie, Darrin Monhollen, Nathaniel Minks, Danielle Misch, Lisa Carnes, Kim Jaehnen, Candy Gilb, Chris Gilb, Julie Sandlin, Debbie McKinley, Brian Graham, and Noel Bostic.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Members of the Board reviewed minutes from the August 9, 2007 and September 4, 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.
The Superintendent recommended Jim Jackson as the High School Girls Basketball Coach. Mr. Jackson has been involved with the program in the past and was assistant coach last year. Upon motion by Larry Thayer and seconded by Tim Adams to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Larry Thayer, Tim Adams, Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, and Jamie Bell.
The Superintendent recommended Molly Martin as the High School Girls Assistant Basketball Coach. Mrs. Martin was a past player and Freshman Girls Coach and will be a good addition to the program. Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by Corey Potts, members voted as follows: Aye – Felix Massey III, Corey Potts, Tim Adams, Larry Thayer, and Jamie Bell.
Mr. Patz noted that a Freshman Coach in not on the agenda that this time. This topic may be reviewed at a later date when there is more knowledge of the numbers involved with the program.
Mr. Patz presented a letter of resignation from Board Member, Larry Thayer, with much regret. Mr. Thayer sighted that the reason for the resignation was do to family obligations. After a brief discussion on Mr. Thayer’s service, upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Tim Adams to accept the resignation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Tim Adams, Felix Massey III, and Jamie Bell. Abstain - Larry Thayer
The Superintendent gave a brief report on the building project. Items on the punch list are being addressed at this time. They are in the process of resolving a problem with a HVAC unit at the elementary that was not operating as well as it should. Any problems that involve utilities will be addressed during the fall break as not to interfere with class time or activities. There was a brief discussion concerning a show of appreciation to the school neighbors for any inconvenience suffered during the construction project. Mr. Patz was instructed to check on legalities of any gifts and to send invitations to the open house.
Jack Lillie, IT Administrator, presented a report on the new door and phone systems. Mr. Lillie explained that the door system was networked with the capability to lock down the exterior doors on the entire campus in a time emergency. Keyless entry fobs were issued to the personnel that gives rights and times for building access with the ability to disable a fob within minutes if lost or if there is a change in staff.
The phone system has been in place for approximately a year. This system is also networked with the entire campus capability to transfer and receive calls from building to building. There is a phone in every classroom for campus wide communication and will be extremely valuable in a time of emergency. There are a select number of phones with building or campus wide PA abilities. The system has also opened outside communication with a 25-line capability and voice mail, which is available 24 hours.
There was a brief discussion on the availability of lap tops for teachers to sign out when needed and the immense progress the school technology has made since Jack Lillie and Tony VanWinkle have been on staff.
Darrin Monhollen, Business Teacher, presented information on Project Lead the Way. Mr. Monhollen stated that there are 12 students in the class. The first three days were used as an introduction to Auto Desk Inventor. They are doing hand sketching, learning to define problems, research and generate ideas, and develop an understanding of engineering design. They are also developing portfolios that could be used in the future. Mr. Monhollen introduced Nathaniel Minks and Danielle Misch from the class. They discussed how the class was hands-on and challenging and would highly recommend the class to anyone interested. The class also works along with geometry and science. It was stated that Mr. Majewski was working with Ivy Tech State College to accept the class as a college credit. Once the high school is certified through Project Lead the Way, most colleges will except the class with credits. Mr. Monhollen stressed the importance of the Gate Way program for the 8th grade level. This would prepare students for the high school classes and promote interest in both male and female students which is essential to the program.
There was a brief discussion on the vision and growth of the program along with possible equipment needs in the future.
Ms. Holland presented an update on the G/T High Ability Student Program. The guidelines are for all students in all areas but target students with higher abilities. She is presently working on curriculum guides showing increasing content as grade levels progress. At the middle school level, Algebra is offered to 8th grade students with high school credits while some college courses are available through IHETS. It is possible that more will soon be offered at the high school level. Ms. Holland stated that she uses state requirements to make determinations such as test scores, grades, and rating scales and parents have the right to appeal any decisions that are made. A discussion began concerning a possible grant to hire an advisor or the formation of a committee to set criteria for the schools. Ms. Holland noted that a representative from the Dept. of Education did a review of the program with the comment that the program here was ahead of a lot of schools in the area.
Mr. Patz presented the 2008 General Fund budget. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the General Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) 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.
Mr. Patz presented the 2008 Debt Service Fund budget. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the Debt Service Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) 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, Tim Adams, Felix Massey III, and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Patz presented the 2008 Capitol Projects Fund budget. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the Capitol Projects Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) Upon motion by Felix Massey III and seconded by 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 the Transportation Fund budget for 2008. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the Transportation Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Tim Adams to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III , and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Patz presented the Bus Replacement Fund budget for 2008. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the Bus Replacement Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) 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, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Patz presented the 2008 Special Education Pre School Fund budget. The Superintendent recommended the adoption of the Special Education Pre School Fund budget, levy and tax rate as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file) Upon motion by Tim Adams and seconded by Larry Thayer to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Tim Adams, Larry Thayer, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey, and Corey Potts.
The Superintendent presented the Rising Sun-Ohio County Community School Corporation 2007-2008 Expenditure Goals. Mr. Patz recommended the adoption of the goals as presented at the September 4, 2007 meeting. (copy on file). Upon motion by Larry Thayer and seconded by Felix Massey III to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Larry Thayer, Felix Massey, Jamie Bell, Tim Adams, and Corey Potts.
Kim Jaehnen and Chris Gilb requested bus service to Meggie’s Kiddie Care, Inc. They have 11 students that need transportation from the school to the corner of Fifth and N. High Street in the afternoon, only. They presented possible solutions to routes, but the main concern was to student safety. Mrs. Bell, Board President stated the issue would be taken under consideration, and it was by consensus of the board to table the topic until more information is obtained.
Melinda Kittle and Mavis Uhlmansiek addressed the board with concerns over their son/grandson’s (a Kindergarten student) ability to get on a school bus after school without the teacher’s knowledge. They wanted the board to be aware of the situation and the stress the situation caused the family. They also feel that there was a lack of cooperation from the teacher. Mr. Patz and Jamie Bell, on behalf of the board, both stressed there was no excuse for the situation and expressed sincere apologizes. Since this was a building issue, Ms. Kittle was advised to contact Ms. Holland so a resolution could be reached.
Mr. Bostic, High School Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, presented a presentation from Slam Dunk Sports Marketing to outfit a scrolling sign for advertisements to be placed in the high school gym. This would be a way to provide funding for the Athletic Department. Slam Dunk would provide the sign, solicit sponsors and provide 50% of the net revenue once the $14,000.00 has been collected in sponsor fees. It was noted that the school would not be responsible if enough sponsors could not be found. There was a discussion concerning impact on local businesses contacted for fund raising and legalities. Mr. Patz recommended approval of the proposal with Mr. Bostic as the representative. Upon motion by Tim Adams and seconded by Corey Potts to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Tim Adams, Corey Potts, Felix Massey III, Jamie Bell, and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Bostic presented information on an Apparel Royalty Agreement from Walgreens. Mr. Bostic was approached by Walgreens concerning an agreement to sell school apparel. The Athletic Dept. would receive 8% of the gross sales. After a brief discussion, the Superintendent recommended approval of the agreement with Mr. Bostic as the acting representative. Upon motion by Corey Potts and seconded by Tim Adams to accept the recommendation, members voted as follows: Aye – Corey Potts, Tim Adams, Jamie Bell, Felix Massey III, and Larry Thayer.
Mr. Patz presented Sunday, October 28, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. as the date and time for an open house for the public to view the buildings after the construction project. This would be after the fall break and give time to complete items on the punch list.
Under miscellaneous items, Members of the Board of School Trustees requested information on the progress of all day Kindergarten and teacher schedules at the next meeting. The Superintendent note that there were status quo contracts and budget forms for the members of the board to sign.
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 9:20 P.M.