August 16, 2010 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:  The meeting was called to order by President Wennekamp at 7:22 PM, which was preceded at 5:30 PM by a public open forum on overcrowding. Others present were Superintendent Stevens, Principals Baumert, Grammer and Vrba, assistant principals Cunningham and Cline, activities administrator Egr, director of facilities Mundil and curriculum, instruction, and assessment administrator, Dave Gibbons. Community members were also present.

Discussion:  All present participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion:  President Wennekamp stated the meeting was preceded by advance public notice and declared to be an open session.

Discussion:  A motion was made by Parr and seconded by Brabec to approve the agenda, minutes, acceptance of claims, financial, and other listed reports; motion passed.

Discussion:  Due to public interest in the overcrowding issue this motion was introduced earlier in the meeting. A motion was made by Parr and seconded by Wennekamp to proceed in using the QSCB (Qualified School Construction Bonds) in a way decided either by a vote of the qualified voters of district 19-0123, Colfax county or the board of education representing the people of school district 19-0123, Colfax County.

Discussion:  Student representative Cesar Gonzalez was absent from the meeting.

Discussion:  A hearing will be held prior to the September board meeting to discuss the 2010-2011 SCS budget.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens commented that Pekny and Associates has provided SCS with excellent service for several years.

Discussion:  A short discussion on the fee schedule for pre-school concluded that the board felt the current fees were fair.

Discussion:  Discussion on the various funds (special building fund, bond fund, general fund, employee benefit fund and lunch fund) projected as if they will fall within the 2010-2011 budget. The superintendent commented that the board of education has been frugal, as well as the administration after a spending freeze was put into place in February 2010.

Discussion:  Repair of the track by Midwest Track and Tennis was completed last week with insurance funds. Coach Winings and Mr. Mundil worked together to define wants vs. needs with the completed track looking better than ever.

Discussion:  A walk-through was conducted at SES to determine if all necessary repairs have been completed by the contractor. Information on purchasing extended warranties has not been received.

Discussion:  Attorney Dick Seckman has brought up some changes he would like to see in the contract between SCS and NeighborWorks.

Discussion:  The negotiations committee reviewed the proposed negotiated agreement for certified staff and felt that both worked for the common good. Salaries for support staff, administration, and coordinators still need to be set.

Discussion:  The technology committee has recommended a wireless upgrade for the SCS district; more information will be shared at the September meeting.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens met with two representatives from the NDOR to investigate improving the traffic patterns at SES. Recommendations included: educating patrons and parents on traffic safety; increased law enforcement, and hiring a traffic consultant.

Discussion:  Eight members of the SCS district have been invited to Chicago to visit the Apple Corp. to discuss the One-to-One project.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens commented on the editorial on the SCS residency policy printed in the Schuyler Sun by Amy Miller representing the ACLU. A point was made that the residency policy is for the good of the SCS district, though some are trying to make it into a racial issue. Plans are in the works to hire a liaison paid for by Title I funds to help those new to the community to find resources, answer questions and transition smoothly into the community.

Discussion:  • Motion, Mejstrik, second, Semerad – Motion to approve the proposed master contract for 2010-2011. Motion carried.

Discussion:  • Motion, Brabec second, Wennekamp – Motion to approve the activity handbook for the school year 2010-2011. Motion carried.

Discussion:  There were no bills of $5000 or more.

Discussion:  • Motion, Semerad, second, Misek – Motion to approve Pekny and Associates as the SCS Auditor to audit the 2009-2010 funds. Motion carried.

Discussion:  Principal Baumert reported that Andrea Halladay, para educator; Rebecca Geiger, science; Jeremy Hlavac, PE/health; and Matt Turner, social studies are new to the Schuyler Central High School staff. As of August 13, there were 456 students in grades 9 through 12.

Discussion:  Assistant principal Cunningham reported that the SCHS Back-to-School Dance held on August 10 was attended by 115 students; he would like to see increased attendance next year.

Discussion:  Curriculum director Gibbons said that 41 teachers attended the Envision training

Discussion:  Activities director Egr reported she has created a Sponsors-Activity Council for the purpose of discussing constitutions and aiding sponsors that are in need some leadership direction for their organizations focusing on updating constitutions and working to find resources for leadership for the students and sponsors. She explained that voting for Homecoming candidates will be done online this year for the first time.

Discussion:  Facilities director Mundil reported that the underground sprinkler system was completed at SES and that new vinyl- siding, carpet and cabinets were installed at Fishers #24.

Discussion:  Principal Comley reported that there are 48 students enrolled for preschool but, they are hoping more will enroll. Classes at SES have reached twenty students in nearly every section of classes with two classes slightly over that number.

Discussion:  Principal Grammer introduced the new SMS Assistant Principal, Jason Cline.

Discussion:  Superintendent Stevens gave a summary of the presentation he made to SCS staff on August 12 at pre-service days.

Discussion:  The next meeting is scheduled for September 20 at 6:30 PM.

Discussion:  A motion was made at 8:47 PM by Brabec and seconded by Parr to adjourn. Motion carried.