School City of Mishawaka Mishawaka, Indiana December 8, 2015 Together, we will equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in a dynamic and evolving world. Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees -- 7:00 p.m. Administrative Center 1402 South Main Street Mishawaka, IN 46544 Meeting called to order by Board President
at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Jeffery E. Emmons, President Dennis R. Wood, Vice President Holly Parks, Secretary William D. Pemberton, Member Larry E. Stillson, Member Dr. A. Dean Speicher, Interim Superintendent of Schools Michael Pettibone, Interim Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction OFFICIAL GUESTS: Dr. Theodore Stevens, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction Barbara Michalos, Director of Exceptional Learners Eilleen Kalman, Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners Brad Addison, Principal, Emmons School James Aldrich, Director of Athletics Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School Rob Bach, Principal, LaSalle School Rochelle Brandenburg, Principal, Twin Branch School Jerome Calderone, Principal, Mishawaka High School Barton Curtis, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Michael Faulkner, Assistant Director of Athletics C. Mike Fisher, Principal, John J. Young Middle School Jenifer Fisher, Attendance Coordinator, Mishawaka High School Ashley Litwin, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School Janine Mabry, Principal, Liberty School Patricia Morris, Program Supervisor, Joint Service Campus Program John Ross, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Daniel Towner, Principal, Beiger School David Troyer, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Matthew Wood, Principal, Battell School Jeffrey Yohe, Principal, Hums School Trudy Lietzan, PTA Council President Patricia Bellovich, Secretary to the Superintendent Sherry Keyser, President, MEA
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Media Representatives: The School City of Mishawaka appreciates the presence of representatives from the media. Please identify yourselves to Pat Bellovich to have your attendance noted in the Board minutes. Persons who are hearing impaired or deaf and who require an interpreter for this meeting should notify the Administration Center in writing to School City of Mishawaka, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544, or by telephone at (574) 254-4500. Notification must occur by noon on the Friday prior to a Board Meeting.
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public for the purpose of conducting the School Corporation business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There will be time for public comment as indicated on the agenda. VISITORS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON A SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM Visitors requesting permission to address the Board on a specific agenda item are requested to sign in on the registration form upon arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant on any specific agenda item may be limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. Visitors will be restricted to one appearance per item.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 2015 – 193.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA – President Emmons It is recommended that the agenda be amended to include the donation of $12,000.00 for Chrome books at John Young in agenda item 197.1r. Motion by
Parks
second by
Wood
vote
5-0
It is recommended that the agenda for the December 8, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board be adopted as amended. Motion by
Parks
second by Pemberton
vote
5-0
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR 2015 – 194.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR – President Emmons
194.1 COMMUNICATION WITH PTA None
194.2 REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES None 194.3 REPRESENTATIVES MISHAWAKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Jane Wright presented the Board with a check for $12,000.00 from an anonymous donor. The money is to be used to purchase a classroom set of Chrome books for the John Young Media Center. She also reported that the Book Fair was a great success. Proceeds from the Book Fair are used to purchase books to give away at Summer Fest.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 194.4 REPRESENTATIVES OF COLLABORATING COMMITTEE – Richard Currey and Marcia Wells, Co-Chairs Mr. Currey said that the final report from the committee will be presented to the Board this evening. They met dozens of times, conducted research, and held numerous Town Hall Meetings. SCM has established multiple work groups to carry out the initiatives that came from the recommendations of the committee. Many of the Collaborating Committee members will serve in these work groups. The Board members expressed great appreciation for the work of the committee. They said that the group did a wonderful job and they were huge difference makers for SCM.
194.5 GENERAL PUBLIC David Straughn read a statement asking for clarification and further details on several of the agenda items. He asked that his questions be addressed at the appropriate times in the meeting.
Anyone wishing to address the Board on general topics is invited to do so under this item. These individuals must register their intention to participate in the public portion of the meeting upon their arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant may be limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. It is requested that names and addresses be stated at the beginning of such comments. Individuals may speak only once during this section of the agenda. As per Board Policy, personnel issues will not be addressed during open sessions of the Board. Concerns about individual employees of the district should be brought to the superintendent or designee. 2015 – 195.
CONSENT AGENDA – President Emmons
195.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 24, 2015 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD It is recommended that the minutes of the November 24, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board be approved as presented. 195.2 BILL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL It is recommended that the bill warrants and payroll in the amount of $1,301,567.28 be approved for payment from the appropriate fund. 195.3 FUNDRAISER REQUESTS It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the Fund Raiser requests as listed and documented. 195.4 FIELD TRIP REQUESTS It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the Field Trip requests as listed and documented. 195.5 PERSONNEL REPORT It is recommended that the Personnel Report, dated December 8, 2015, be approved. Motion by 2015 – 196.
Stillson
second by
INSTRUCTION 3
Wood
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 196.1 Action 196.2 Discussion Items 196.3 Reports
2015 – 197.
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
197.1 Action 197.1a FIRST READING OF POLICY 7250.1: NAMING RIGHTS, SPONSORSHIPS AND DONOR GIFTS – Dr. Speicher Background: The Summer Study Committee and Community Collaborating Committee recommended that the school corporation, through a collaborative process, create a policy defining naming rights, sponsorships, and donor gifts. A work group of Mishawaka citizens and SCM employees developed the first draft of this policy. David Risner led the work group which consisted of Woody Emmons, Jane Wright, John Roggeman, Sara Hoover, Jerome Calderone, Kaleb Chamberlin, and Mike Faulkner. SCM senior leadership added to this draft. The Superintendent will develop administrative guidelines to support this policy and share them with the Board of School Trustees. The Superintendent recommends that the Board of School Trustees conduct the first reading of Policy 7250.1 as read by Board Secretary Holly Parks. 197.1b AWARD OF QUOTE FOR INDEPENDENT INSURANCE CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST SCM ADMINISTRATION WITH SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCUREMENT OF SCM PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE – Dr. Stahly Background: The community collaboration committee had the following recommendations in regards to an independent insurance consultant for Property and Casualty Insurance: A. The CCC supports and recommends that Mishawaka Schools seek proposals from Independent Insurance Consultants for both Health Insurance and Property & Casualty Insurance. B. Testing the market means SCM seeks proposals from Independent Insurance Consultants (these consultants must be Independent and any brokerage firm that desires to write the insurance would NOT be allowed to submit a proposal for the Property & Casualty Insurance or Health Insurance) to work with the SCM Senior Management Leadership to review and modify the present specifications for Property & Casualty Insurance. C. The Independent Insurance consultant would then seek proposals from Insurance Brokers, evaluate the proposals based on the specifications and present a recommendation to the Senior Management Group to be forwarded to the Board. As per these recommendations, the consultant will not be allowed to submit a proposal for the Property/Casualty Insurance.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that School City of Mishawaka contract with R & R Benefits/Risk Management, LLC for our Property/Casualty and Risk Management as our consultants for procuring our Property/Casualty Insurance. Their fee schedule is itemized below: Fee Proposal: R&R’s Fee for the Project all-inclusive and solely derived and received from SCM, is proposed to be $12,000. R&R guarantees a Return on Investment at least equal to the 1.5 times the Fee proposed in regards to Premium Savings on an apple to apple basis, or the Proposed Fee shall be reduced to $5,000. • Example 1: R&R’s Fee of $12,000 will only be paid in full if the Project creates a savings to SCM of at least $18,000 in annualized premium. R&R’s Fee is only for the 1st year and all created savings will be SCM 100% in year 2 and subsequent years. • Example 2: If R&R saves SCM $50,000, the R&R Fee is limited to the $12,000 proposed. • Example 3: If R&R saves SCM $100,000, the R&R Fee is limited to the $12,000 proposed. • Example 4: If R&R does not save SCM any premium dollars compared to the current rates, R&R’s Fee is reduced to $5,000. This was one of the key recommendations from the Summer Study Group. Robert Frick was on hand to answer questions. He said that this type of fee schedule is not typical. Mr. Stillson said that this is an important part of the transparency we are committed to.
Motion by
Parks
second by
Pemberton
vote
5-0
197.1c AWARD OF BID FOR THE SALE OF TAX ANTICIPATION WARRANT – Dr. Stahly Background: Notices of sale of Tax Anticipation Warrants (TAW) for School City of Mishawaka were advertised on November 12 and 19, 2015 and bids were received and opened at 10:00 a.m. (CST) on December 3, 2015. Three banking institutions responded to the advertisement at the following interest rates: TECH Credit Union at 1.37%; Oppenheimer at 2.00% and Centier Bank at 1.19%. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the bids for the Sale of Tax Anticipation Warrants be awarded to Centier Bank at the interest rate of 1.19% (interest cost - for period $31,377.89) for the $2.7 M in warrants. The interest rate for these loans in 2015 totaling $2.455 M was 0.85%. It is further recommended that the Board of School Trustees President and Secretary be authorized to sign the Temporary Loan Warrant Agreement for the tax supported funds on behalf of the School Corporation. Last year the rate was .85%. The notice for the sale was advertised and we received three bids, which is the same number that was received last year.
Motion by
Stillson
second by
5
Stillson
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 197.1d REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO PAY BILLS AND WARRANTS PRIOR TO JANUARY 1, 2016 –Dr. Stahly Background: As stated in Indiana code 20 - 40 – 2 which deals with General Fund allowable expenses, “Sec. 4 (a) Except as provided by subsection (b) or any other law, any lawful school expenses payable from any other fund of a school corporation, including debt service and capital outlay, may be budgeted in and paid from the fund.” Subsection (b) states “Before January 1, 2018, costs attributable to transportation may be budgeted in and paid from the fund. After December 31, 2017, costs attributable to transportation may not be budgeted in and paid from the fund.” Subsection (b) further states that if the property tax loss (granting of credits) exceeds 75% of a school corporation’s transportation fund levy that a school corporation may also transfer money from its general fund to its transportation fund. School City of Mishawaka does not qualify for this last provision. Without knowing what exactly the December Tax Draws for 2015 will be, it is difficult to estimate exactly what these expenditures will be. At this point it is estimated that General Fund will need to pay approximately $700,000 of CPF current expenditures, $50,000 of Transportation Operating Fund expenditures, and $11,000 of Historical Society expenditures. Using these figures, the General Fund Operating Balance should end the year at approximately the same level as it started the year, approximately $1.8 M. Recommendation to Board: As per these codes, it is recommended that the Assistant Superintendent for Business be granted authority to pay excess expenditures in the Capital Projects Fund, the Transportation Operating Fund, and the Historical Society Fund from General Fund prior to the end of calendar year 2015. These added expenditures from General Fund will not exceed the overall appropriations of General Fund. It is further recommended that the School City of Mishawaka Treasurer be authorized to pay all necessary bills and warrants due before January 1, 2016 and that they be presented for approval at the January 12, 2016 meeting of the Board of School Trustees. Motion by
Parks
second by
Stillson
vote
5-0
197.1e COLLABORATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION ON EVALUATING SCHOOLS AS NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS/RESOURCES – Marcia Wells Background: The Collaborating Committee used results from the Summer Study Group Report that indicated the need for a community conversation on neighborhood schools. They met with elementary principals and reviewed answers to questions about what they are currently doing to involve the school neighborhood and how they could expand the involvement of the school neighborhood. They found that principals must practice radical hospitality to parents and patrons so they feel more a part of the school community. Our neighborhood schools are not merely places for learning but also provide needed weekend food for our neediest students. The committee recommends partnering with numerous community programs to assist parents and community members, and to acknowledge these partnerships. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the recommendation of the Collaborating Committee on evaluating schools as neighborhood centers/resources. Motion by
Wood
second by 6
Parks
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 197.1f COLLABORATING COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION ON ASSESSING AND EXPLORING COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL CALENDAR OPTIONS – Richard Currey Background: The Collaborating Committee believes the interests of all stakeholders in the Mishawaka Public Schools would be best served by policies that purposely acknowledge the role community assets can play in furthering high quality education in its schools. There should be a coordinated strategy for developing the school-community assets and relationships. They recommend that the school corporation follow these principles as they work towards developing partnerships: Shared vision and accountability, strong partnerships, high expectations, community strengths, respect for diversity, and local decision making. The group also recommends that SCM carefully consider alternative school calendar options. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the recommendations of the Collaborating Committee on assessing and exploring community education program offerings and alternative school calendar options. Motion by
Stillson
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
197.1g REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER APPROPRIATIONS WITHIN TAX SUPPORTED FUNDS (CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND, TRANSPORTATION OPERATING FUND, AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY FUND) AND GENERAL FUND FOR THE END OF YEAR 2015 – Dr. Stahly Background: Indiana statute requires school corporations to balance appropriations in all major funds in the major budget account codes at the calendar year-end closing. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the School Treasurer be authorized to transfer the needed appropriations within the major funds at the year-end closing. An Appropriation Resolution for these needed appropriation transfers within the major funds will be submitted for official Board approval at a meeting of the Board of School Trustees in January, 2016. Motion by
Stillson
second by
Wood
vote
5-0
197.1h 2015 – 2016 RECOMMENDED SUPPORT STAFF COMPENSATION PLAN – Dr. Speicher Background: The senior leadership team lead by the Superintendent completed five (5) support staff meetings across the school corporation last week. The agenda for each meeting included introductions of the leadership team, the key ad center support staff, a condensed version of Casting A Vision for School City of Mishawaka, Building an Organizational Culture of Excellence that Provides 5-Star Customer Service/Experience, Fiscal Planning for corporate Sustainability, Support Staff Council and a review of the recommended support staff compensation plan. Each senior leader had an opportunity to address their work group. Each session ended with a question and answer session. The Board has been provided with a comparison wage scale with area school systems with which we share an employment market, Elkhart, PHM, and South Bend. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the attached 2015 – 2016 Superintendent recommended support staff compensation plan be approved by the Board of School Trustees and executed by the Human Resources and Business Departments. Motion by
Parks
second by 7
Wood
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 197.1i APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATOR (CERTIFIED AND NON-CERTIFIED) COMPENSATION POOL – Dr. Speicher Background: The SCM Administration/Leadership Group (Certified and Non-Certified) compensation consists of Board of School Trustees approved salary amounts and fringe benefits. The HR Department has conducted an administrative salary study comparing SCM salaries to our market area – Elkhart, PHM, and South Bend. The salary study has been provided to the Board for their information and review. In line with Board approved compensation increases for teachers and other certified professionals, the Superintendent recommends that this leadership group be treated similarly. Recommendation to Board: The Superintendent recommends the following leadership group compensation plan actions for consideration by the Board of School Trustees: A. A compensation plan for the leadership group (28 Individuals) that includes a salary pool of funds similar to other certified employee groups and 401(a) market plan. This employer matching benefit plan would allow SCM administrators contracted less than 261 days to place up to 2% of their gross salary into the fund. Administrators who are under SCM contract for 261 days may place up to 4% of their gross salary into the fund. B. That the Superintendent be given the authority and responsibility to reset current salary placements that are not competitive for the position and to distribute the salary pool of funds for 2015–2016 to the employee group. The Superintendent’s goal is to more closely align compensation with proven performance. C. That the Superintendent provide a proposed salary range compensation plan effective July 1, 2016 for the 2016 – 2017 school year that is closely aligned with each employee’s performance as measured through the state-mandated administrator evaluation plan. D. That the Superintendent be given the authority and responsibility for updating SCM policies relating to administrators’ contracts. The Superintendent or his designee will present any modifications for Board of School Trustees consideration prior to July 1, 2016. Mr. Stillson said that to attract and retain the best employees and to create an organization of excellence, we must do this.
Motion by
Stillson
second by Parks
vote
5-0
197.1j ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AT LASALLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Dr. Stahly Background: On October 13 2015, the Board of School Trustees approved to advertise for bids to replace the outdated alarm system with a digital system. Bids were advertised on October 30 and November 6, 2015, and opened on November 17, 2015. Martell Electric and Schwartz Electric submitted bids. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees enter into an Agreement with Martell Electric to complete the project as outlined herein: Base Bid – $107,700 Alternate #1 (Extend Completion Date to 1-31-16) – ($24,800.00) 10% contingency – $8,290.00 Total - $91,190.00 Motion by
Parks
second by 8
Pemberton
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 197.1k ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR FIRE ALARM SYSTEM AT TWIN BRANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Dr. Stahly Background: On October 13 2015, the Board of School Trustees approved to advertise for bids to replace the obsolete alarm system with a digital system. Bids were advertised on October 30 and November 6, 2015, and opened on November 17, 2015. Martell Electric and Schwartz Electric submitted bids. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees enter into an Agreement with Martell Electric to complete the project as outlined herein: Base Bid – $90,400.00 Alternate#1 (Extend Completion Date to 1-31-16) – ($22,400.00) 10% contingency – $6,800.00 Total - $74,800.00 The warranty is for one year and the maintenance agreement is for three years for the fire alarm system at both LaSalle and Twin Branch. The life expectancy for the system is 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance.
Motion by
Parks
second by
Pemberton
vote
5-0
197.1l APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH SAFE HAVENS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SAFETY CENTER – Dr. Stevens Background: In order to understand and prioritize issues related to our facilities and school safety, it would be prudent to conduct a third party threat assessment to gain an unbiased assessment of the district. This assessment will be done in collaboration with the Mishawaka Police Department and Lt. Tim Williams. After contacting and reviewing information from several vendors, and consulting local police authorities, it was determined that Safe Havens International best suits the needs of the corporation. Safe Havens is a non-profit organization from Macon, Georgia that has conducted numerous threat assessments in the United States and abroad. The total cost of the assessment will be $19,875.00. This cost will be cut in half as we have been awarded the Secured Safe School Grant. Therefore, the final cost to SCM will be $9,937.50 Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the agreement with Safe Havens International as outlined above. This is a one-time contract. It is anticipated that they will begin the process on February 22. Processes and facilities will be assessed.
Motion by
Wood
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
197.lm ADDENDUM TO TEACHER CONTRACT FOR INTERIM ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION - Dr. Speicher Background: Since August 10, 2015, Michael Pettibone has been serving as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. When originally appointed, the Interim Superintendent did not have an addendum to the teacher contract prepared for School Board consideration. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the addendum to the teacher contract for Michael Pettibone be considered and approved. It is further recommended that the President and Secretary of the Board be authorized to sign this addendum. Motion by
Wood
second by 9
Pemberton
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 197.1n APPROVAL OF PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY – Dr. Stahly Background: On November 10, 2015, the Board of School Trustees approved a resolution regarding the disposition of surplus real property located north of John Young Middle School. A notice of sale was published and one bid from an abutting landowner was received. The bid was for $1,000.00. Upon approval of the purchase agreement, a quit claim will be prepared and the closing will be conducted before December 31, 2015. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the purchase agreement for $1,000.00 with Jeffrey D. Chance for the above referenced property. Motion by
Stillson
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
197.1o APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR COPY PAPER – Dr. Stahly Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the bids for copy paper per the attached bid sheets. Bids are in effect until April 30, 2016. An advantage to this quote is that the paper will be delivered directly to the schools. We received a better bid this time than the last one. Five bids were submitted.
Motion by
Parks
second by
Wood
vote
5-0
197.1p APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR OFFICE SUPPLIES – Dr. Stahly Background: Each year, office supplies are ordered in December for all of the schools. The bids are in effect from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the bids for office supplies per the attached bid sheets. Motion by
Stillson
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
197.1q APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN AND PLANNING SERVICES FOR THE MISHAWAKA HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS MASTER PLAN – Dr. Speicher Background: The school corporation is the benefactor of several generous cash gifts from the Rosemary Klaer estate. The cash gifts are designated for a 5’ statue of a 1950’s cheerleader at MHS representing “The Spirit of Mishawaka” and landscaping in designated areas at MHS and at Baker Park. After discussion with the Superintendent, the Klaer work group determined it prudent to select a landscape architect and planner to create a master plan for the Mishawaka High School Campus. It is the consensus of the group to recommend that the Board of School Trustees commission Lehman and Lehman to create the MHS campus master plan with direction from the work group. The proposed agreement outlines priority projects, long-term projects, scope of services, project schedules and compensation. The cost proposed to achieve the project scope is designated to not exceed $8,000.00 plus related expenses, or approximately $500.00. Recommendation to Board: The Superintendent and the work group recommend the Board of School Trustees commission Lehman and Lehman to design the Mishawaka High School campus master plan. It is recommended that the funds from the Klaer estate pay the first $4,500.00 and SCM pay the remaining agreement amount. 10
Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 Dr. Speicher reported that Mr. Lehman feels strongly that because of his connection to the Collaborating Committee there must be a unanimous agreement on the vote to accept this contract. Mr. Pemberton said that Mr. Lehman is a person of high integrity. He praised Mr. Lehman saying that the excellence of his work is evident in the design of Central park.
Motion by
Stillson
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
197.1r ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS – Dr. Speicher Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the following donations as listed and documented. $3,000.00 – Liberty PTA for Chromebooks at Liberty School $200.00 – Café Navarre for Twin Branch Robotics $1,729.08 – Lifetouch Pictures to Liberty for student use $150.00 – Target to Twin Branch for student activities $200.00 – Dr. and Mrs. Peter Burns for Twin Branch Lego Robotics $12,000.00 – Anonymous (through MEF) for 30 Chromebooks at John Young Dr. Stevens noted that the media center computers at John Young are obsolete. The new Chromebooks will also be very helpful for online assessments.
Motion by
Parks
second by
Wood
vote 5-0
197.1s APPROVAL OF COMPENSATION PLAN FOR SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS – Dr. Speicher Background: The school system has been experiencing difficulties in filling the need for substitute teachers. At times the fill rate is as low as 90%. To attract more interest and increase the substitute pool, it is necessary to modify the compensation for substitute teachers. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the attached 2016 Superintendent recommended substitute compensation plan be approved by the Board of School Trustees and executed by the Human Resources and Business Departments beginning on January 15, 2016. Dr. Speicher said that we are working to make sure that we have high quality subs in the classroom.
Motion by
Parks
second by
Stillson
vote
5-0
197.2 Discussion Items 197.3 Reports
2015 – 198.
INFORMATION TO THE BOARD •
2015 total of donations accepted – Jennifer Smith In 2015, the Board of School Trustee received a total of $326,774.23 in donations. Mrs. Smith presented the Board with a school by school list of all donations.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS – Dr. Speicher
2015 – 199.
•
Parents and interested patrons are reminded that schools will be closed for winter break beginning Monday, December 21, 2015 and classes will resume at the regularly scheduled time on Monday, January 4, 2016. Mishawaka High School offices and the Administrative Center offices will be open during their regular hours on December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30, 2015.
•
The next Regular and Re-organizational Meetings of the Board of School Trustees will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana.
•
Dr. Speicher reported that there will be a reception to honor the Collaborating Committee members at 6:30 p.m. on January 12, 2016 before the Board meeting. They will be recognized at the Board meeting.
•
Mr. Pemberton said that he appreciates all that Dr. Speicher has done for the organization in the past year.
•
President Emmons and Dr. Speicher wished everyone a Happy Holiday.
ADJOURNMENT
Adjournment Time: 8:50 p.m.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – December 8, 2015 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES South Bend Tribune Mishawaka Enterprise WHME Newsroom
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WNDU TV WSBT TV WSJV TV
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ABC 57
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WGTC
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WSBT
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WRBR
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FOX 28 WFRN
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