August 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM - Work Session and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

Discussion:  The budget must be set by Sept. 20, and the next meeting is Sept. 17. Superintendent Dr. Troy Loeffelholz said he anticipates holding the hearing that evening. The final piece of the budget, tax evaluations, will come in on August 20.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz and the board discussed the four options to consider for facility improvements. 1. 5-8 Middle School at Discoverer Site 2. 6-8 Middle School at Discoverer Site 3. 9-12 HS at Discoverer Site and Renovation at old HS for MS students. 4. 6-8 Middle School at downtown site. Ramifications of each issue were discussed as it relates to all other sites.

Discussion:  There was no executive session.

Discussion:  None

Discussion:  All consent items were addressed by Dr. Loeffelholz. Extra-Duty assignments as well as approval of the Foundation Board of Directors appointment were voted on.

Discussion:  The policy allows for information to be released to an employee who has applied for credit without written approval. However, there must be a written form if the information is to be released to a prospective employer.

Discussion:  Only minor changes were made.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said a year ago the county attorney became more involved in truancy cases and now it has been revised. Under the revision, every hour a student is not in attendance counts towards absences. He said a letter is still sent at 5 days gone, 10 days gone and 15 days gone with notice going to the county attorney.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said this will clean up the general guidelines and set criteria for fundraising. He said it also re-enforces the need for general good accounting practices. Dr. Loeffelholz said this may be a way for sponsors to think if they really need to do a fundraiser. Foundation Executive Director Jessica Kuehler said this policy helps makes a distinction between student organizations fundraising and outside groups raising money (like PTO etc.). She said it also addresses charitable giving.

Discussion:  He said as budgets get tighter, these groups will play more of a role, but they also must be in conjunction with the Foundation. Jessica Kuehler said the idea is to streamline the process for everyone involved and for the umbrella organizations to support each other. She said the idea is to treat all organizations as a whole. There will be a calendar so groups will know when others are holding fundraising events.

Discussion:  Motion by Theresa Seiple second by Ken Curry to accept the CPS Foundation contribution for CHS Cheerleading supplies for $121.26. Motion carries. Dr. Loeffelholz said the board must accept all gifts.

Discussion:  Approval of the general vehicle maintenance contract with Steve Seipel for one year. Motion carries with Theresa Seipel abstaining.

Discussion:  The board approved the CPS Administration permission to obtain liability insurance for all buildings, ground, equipment including Workman’s Comp for the district not to exceed $280,000. Motion carries.

Discussion:  The cost will not exceed $12,000. Kwapnioski said Craig Post’s trades class is building the structure and most of the work is being done in-house. He said when the storage spaces at the high school have now been filled.

Discussion:  This item was removed from the agenda.

Discussion:  The board approved the goal for this upcoming year: Board Goal #1: Students in Columbus Public Schools will improve literacy skills in one or all of reading, writing, numerical literacy as designated by building. Board Goal #2: Develop a 10 to 20 year facility plan with the assistance of the community to meet the needs of the District’s programs for educating students.

Discussion:  The board voted to approve the fee proposal from RVW/BCDM for facility building options A, B, C and D. Motion carries. Motion by Alan Dostal second by Ken Curry to amend the fee proposal for A, B, and C facility building options and for the superintendent to negotiate the price on option D with RVW/BCDM.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz discussed the convocation, kindergarten enrollments, and closed sections in the district. He also informed the board that he will discuss the ReMAX proposal for the Discoverer Addition with the facility committee of the board.

Discussion:  Dostal said he would like to recognize Dr. Loeffelholz’s leadership skills. He said he did an excellent job of engaging the staff at the convocation. Curry agreed with Dostal.

Discussion:  There was no Executive Session.