School City of Mishawaka Mishawaka, Indiana September 23, 2014 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. Hums Elementary School 3208 Harrison Road Mishawaka, IN 46544 Meeting called to order by Board President at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Dennis R. Wood, President Jenny McNeil, Vice President Jeffery E. Emmons, Secretary Marci A. Sears, Member Larry E. Stillson, Member Dr. Terry E. Barker, Superintendent Daniel R. Towner, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction Randy J. Squadroni, Business Manager Gregg A. Hixenbaugh, Executive Director for Human Resources & Legal Counsel OFFICIAL GUESTS: Carolyn Freeman, Coordinator for Assessment and High Ability Programs Pamela L. von Rähl, Executive Director of Joint Services Brad Addison, Principal, Emmons School James Aldrich, Director of Athletics Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle 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 Dean Fecher, Principal, Beiger School C. Mike Fisher, Principal, John J. Young Middle School Jennifer 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 Dr. Theodore Stevens, Principal, LaSalle School David Troyer, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Matthew Wood, Principal, Battell School Jeffrey Yohe, Principal, Hums School Debbie Fox, PTA Council President Patricia Bellovich, Secretary to the Superintendent Jeanine Reynolds, President, MEA Stephen Bolin, President, AFSCME
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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 Mr. Gregg A. Hixenbaugh in writing at the 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 – September 23, 2014 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 – Student Council members Cammi Lidgard, Alyssa Gault, Emma Taff, and Emma Knipp 2014 – 140.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA – President Wood It is recommended that the agenda for the September 23, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Board be adopted as presented. Motion by
2014 – 141.
McNeil
second by
Stillson
vote
5-0
RECOGNITION – Dr. Barker
141.1 HUMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRESENTATION The Hums Elementary Student Council will present a preview of all of their activities planned for the school year. Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Gruber said that the students were very thoughtful and resourceful when deciding which projects they would choose for the coming year. All projects will be for the benefit of students or of the community. The Student Council members listed and described each project: Pumpkin Parade, Craft Bazaar, MHS Food Drive, Spirit Week, Sucker Sale, Logan Nose-on, and Earth Day cleaning day.
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR 2014 – 142.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR – President Wood
142.1 COMMUNICATION WITH PTA PTA President Mrs. Fox offered congratulations to Beiger PTA for its National School of Excellence award. She also stated that the PTA Council is ready to partner with SCM to help out in any way they can.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – September 23, 2014 142.2 REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES MEA President Jeanine Reynolds reported that she is disappointed that SCM and the MEA were unable to reach a tentative agreement. She said that the MEA believes that over $700,000 was saved from retirements and resignations and that raises for teachers should come from that savings. She added that although the negotiations have been respectful, she is not sure if they will return to the bargaining table or resort to state mediation.
142.3 REPRESENTATIVES OF MISHAWAKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Nick Troiola requested that the Board provide $30,000.00 to the foundation for their marketing effort. Their ultimate goal is to raise 2.5 million for the students of SCM.
142.4 GENERAL PUBLIC No one registered to speak.
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. 2014 – 143.
CONSENT AGENDA – President Wood
143.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD It is recommended that the minutes of the September 9, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Board be approved as presented. 143.2 BILL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL It is recommended that the bill warrants and payroll in the amount of $1,569,994.21 be approved for payment from the appropriate fund. 143.3 FINANCIAL REPORT It is recommended that the financial report, dated August 2014, be approved as presented. 143.4 FUNDRAISER REQUESTS It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the fundraiser requests as listed and documented. 143.5 PERSONNEL REPORT It is recommended that the Personnel Report, dated September 23, 2014, be approved. Motion by
Stillson
second by
3
Sears
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – September 23, 2014 2014 – 144.
COMMUNICATION TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD – Secretary Emmons
2014 – 145.
INSTRUCTION
145.1 Action 145.2 Discussion Items 145.3 Reports •
Dr. Dean Speicher and Dr. Bruce Stahly will present their report on the SCM Study Group recommendations for School City of Mishawaka next steps in addressing operations and funding. Dr. Stahly thanked the SCM leadership team for their willingness to assist and provide information when it was needed. He said that the Study Group adhered to guiding principles. Their findings were based on two principles: 1) The information is factual, not opinion, and 2) The doctrine of fairness. Dr. Speicher talked about how the corporation ended up in this condition. He said that it was a combination of factors that include old buildings and building systems, loss of revenue caused by declining assessed valuations and lower property taxes, and lower student enrollments. Dr. Speicher listed his suggestions for next steps. He said that community engagement is essential. The community needs to be fully informed about the needs of the school corporation. It was also suggested that the corporation form a collaborating committee, which would work with district leaders to develop a plan of action. Dr. Speicher recommended that new referenda be initiated if there is proof of adequate community support. If it is determined that the community will not support such a move, the corporation should create an alternate plan. Plan B should be completely transparent. Dr. Speicher also recommended ways in which the corporation could cut expenses. He said that they should continue to cut expenses and aggressively pursue revenue enhancement opportunities. They should also work hard to keep their existing students, appeal to the legislature for support, and seek grants, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and community benefactors. Board members expressed appreciation for the thorough work and dedication of the Study Group and the consulting group. Mr. Emmons suggested that the Board study the report in depth at a future Board meeting or work session.
2014 – 146.
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
146.1 Action 146.1a SECOND READING OF POLICY 6424 (USE OF GIFT CARDS) – Dr. Barker Background: The Indiana State Board of Accounts (“SBOA”) has recommended that all school corporations obtain formal School Board approval of various common practices related to the use of gift cards. The proposed policy that is before the Board has been drafted based upon specific SBOA guidance for such polices. Pursuant to SCM Policy 0131.1 (Bylaws and Policies), the first reading of the proposed policy occurred on September 9, 2014, and the proposed policy will remain on the agenda for each succeeding Board meeting until approved or rejected. 4
Regular Meeting of the Board – September 23, 2014 Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees hold second reading of the following proposed policy: No. 6424 Motion by
Use of Gift Cards Sears
second by
McNeil
vote
5-0
146.1b ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS – Dr. Barker Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the following donations as listed and documented. $6,000.00 – Teachers Credit Union to MHS Athletic Department ($1,000.00 for Hall of Fame donation, $3,000.00 for Advertising, and $2,000.00 for Tournament sponsorship) $94.09 – Target Take Charge of Education to Liberty for student purposes $242.25 – Target Take Charge of Education to Hums for student purposes $2,700.00 – MEF Major Saver donation to Emmons for technology $1,900.00 – Michael and Diane Wandling to Liberty for 8 IPad minis for Mrs. Landis’ class Memorial Boulder (Value $260.00) – MHS students to honor memory of AJ Ryor $300.00 – Ms. Joan Ragal for John Young Helping Hands Club Motion by
second by
vote
146.2 Discussion Items •
Bullying Reporting and Investigative Procedure
Mr. Hixenbaugh said that there have been concerns from parents. However, due to confidentiality, he cannot refer to specific cases in a public forum. He assured the Board that they follow up and address all complaints. He reported that changes to Indiana’s Student discipline code mandate that all school corporations are now required to have annual antibullying staff training and student instruction. There are also new reporting requirements. SCM reported 121 confirmed incidences of bullying in the 2013-2014 school year. Mr. Hixenbaugh said that the state provides a legal definition of bullying and requirements for reporting. He stressed that the corporation prides itself on providing a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students. He also said that no corporation can guarantee that it will prevent all acts of bullying, but we will treat reports seriously, act swiftly, and follow the law.
146.3 Reports 2014 – 147. •
INFORMATION TO THE BOARD Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Joseph County – Mr. Towner
Mr. Towner reported that he met with representatives from Big Brothers Big Sisters and is pleased to announce a partnership for after school opportunities. Approximately 15 to 20 Mishawaka High School students will be paired with the same number of Beiger students. They will meet for one hour each week. The first half hour will be devoted to homework help and the second half hour will be social. Mr. Towner said that he is looking forward to implementing this program. 5
Regular Meeting of the Board – September 23, 2014 SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS – Dr. Barker
2014 – 148.
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The Mishawaka High School fall play, Harvey, will be presented in the Mishawaka Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. on Friday October 3 and Saturday October 4, and at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday October 5, 2014.
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The next Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana.
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Dr. Barker announced that the accountability grades have been determined, but the results are embargoed. He commended SCM teachers saying that the great job that the teachers have done will be evident when the grades are released on October 15.
ADJOURNMENT - McNeil Adjournment Time: 8:45 p.m.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – September 23, 2014 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES South Bend Tribune Mishawaka Enterprise WHME Newsroom
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