January 27, 2020 at 5:30 PM - Board Retreat

Discussion:  Mike Goos was excused by the board.

Discussion:  President Becher 

Discussion:  President Becher read the opportunity to be heard.

Discussion:  The board placed Doug Willoughby on the core team for Mike Goos due to his pending resignation.
Executive Director of Student Services, Jason Harris updated the board regarding:

1. Sub-Committee representatives (Fee for Daycare-Sliding Fee)
2. Round-table ideas shared with the board
3. Public invited on Thursday night for "No Small Matter"
4. Board discussed the fact sheet from 
5. Space & Staffing needs

Questions by the board:

1. Are there going to be any Fees
2. Lunch program - FR vs. Full Pay

Dave Melick, Executive Director of Finance/HR gave an update on the architect selection process:

1. January 6th meeting - RFP, timeline, requirements
2. January 30th deadline for questions.  Responses will be communicated with all architects.  Only 5 to 6 questions have been asked.
3. Architects all went on a walking tour of the building.
4. Electrical Inspection - has been done since January 6th and forwarded to architects. (Subpanels passed)

Leonard, Executive Director of Maintenance/Technology gave updates on the building that include:

1. Electrical Update
2. Spider Boxes used 
3. Building is 50-52 degrees on most days
4. Operating costs since started demo - $1,000 per month in utility costs.
5. Compared to: 
   1. Approximately 24,000 sq. ft for Early Childhood Center
6. Maintenance guys are doing demo when it is not snowing. 
7. Copper wires and lights are all out.

Mike Jeffryes - asked question about cost of project and could some of that money be used on other projects..

1. 3 Million addition on to North Park came up in discussion
2. Concern about overcrowding in our schools
3. Future enrollment numbers
4. North Park Expansion
5. More shared space

Discussion:  Board President, Ms. Becher introduced the item of communication with life and safety personnel

1. Problem exists and we seem to be hung up on who pays for it.
2. If we would have something happen and people found out we were talking about who pays for it would we be sued?
3. Figure out what we need to do for 1st responders so they can communicate in our building.
4. Staff has the ability to communicate.
5. 1st Responders include - police, sheriff, HAZMAT, Fire Department
6. We bought what we did and police have their system.
7. What do we do about it?

Can all 1st responders talk to one another?

1. Devices for each entity (School-UHF, Police & Fire-VHF).
2. School purchased SL350 Turbo's instead of APX radios - Multi-band portable in our cars.
3. Motorola built two different systems.

2 solutions

Option 1
HS & MS - $250,000 combined rough estimate
Firm number will do testing in the building is $2,000 minimum per building
8 buildings - $16,000 startup cost.
Centennial is an issue for elementary schools
Other schools not as much of an issue

Option 2
School District buy the same radios we have at $800 each and give to each officer and have full communication.
Counsel at 911 Center, will allow them to use in our building and have full access.

Board Questions:

1. School Safety a big concern around the US are there grants out there.
2. Not many, it is a local issue.
3. We don't have a complete cost until testing is done?
4. One-time cost - Doesn't matter who pays for them.
5. Are we only going to protect 2 of our buildings or all of them.
6. Board members concerned about once we know we have to act.

Recommendation -

1. To Quantify what we need through the study for radio system.
2. Complete the study at $2,000 per building.
3. Can we phase it in?
4. Prioritize what the study says.

 

Discussion:  The board will accept Mr. Goos' resignation at the February board meeting.  The board has decided to wait until the February board meeting to decide whether to advertise and interview vs. appoint a new board member.  It depends on how many apply for the election.  If multiple applications, it is recommended that we interview those candidates or ask a former board member to fill out the term.  Mr. Goos is up for election this year.

Discussion:  Worry about sustainability of funds with staffing, moving across the salary schedule.

1. 52 teachers are on average move across on the salary schedule each year.
2. Discussed the needs side of the formula in TEEOSA and Equalization Aid
3. Discussed budgeting practices in the past 12 years in Columbus and what a great job business directors have done.
4. What is the current reimbursement for SPED? It is 48-50%

Sustainability - How can we do more with what we have and afford it for years out

1. Add price per hour in para wages
2. what are areas we may cut to fulfill goals
3. Discussion on number of students at the HS and not enough sections.
4. Review of enrollment shows numbers will be steady over the next 5-6 years and decrease slightly.
5. Workplace experiences for students would be great to create more capacity at the HS

Discussion about Cassette House needs for a new facility.
Area of concern, no action to take.  
 

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz updated the board on the six candidates we are interviewing.  There are 3 internal candidates and 3 external candidates.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz shared with the board the Housing Committee's map of approved permits to build apartments, duplexes and houses in the community.  This type of map will be instrumental in planning for future building needs.

Discussion:  None at this time.

Discussion:  There were no other items of concern.

Discussion:  There was no board sharing.