BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

WORK SESSION

MAY 19, 2004

The Bangor Township Board of Education held a work session on Wednesday, May 19, 2004, at Bangor Edison School. President Kowalski called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Members Present: Richard Kowalski, George Thomas, Dawn Klida, Terrence O'Hare, John Loop, and Barbara Skowronski

Members Absent: Scott Sturm (work related absence)

expressions/communications from the public

Mr. Bill Borch, United Steelworker Representative, distributed copies of information regarding use of a non-union contractor. Mr. Borch stated his association's concerns for Bangor's use of Wolgast for services on bond items and their payment of the prevailing wage to their employees. He stated that Wolgast has been in violation of the National Labor Law and asked the Board why they would ask for tax money through the bond issue and not offer the opportunity for local residents to work here. Mr. Borch also reviewed his concerns about payment of prevailing wage to Wolgast employees. He asked who was monitoring the prevailing wage payment. Rob Kennedy stated that he was the representative on the project. Mr. Kowalski suggested Mr. Borch set up a meeting with Terry Balash and Rob Kennedy to discuss any concerns his association has. He also said that, based on what was presented to the Board, the Board has a responsibility to all taxpayers.

Mr. Borch thought that, as a school Board, they would place more emphasis on training, safety, and drug testing, etc. Mr. Kowalski again said that he would be more than happy to set up an appointment with Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Balash to discuss the issues with Mr. Borch.

Another United Steelworker representative and Bangor resident, Chris Slate also expressed his opinion of the use of Wolgast. He asked why the district would hire a firm with a bad record of not doing things up to code and having cost overruns. Mr. Kowalski said that he appreciated Mr. Slate's input, but the Board made the decision to go with the lowest bidder.

Mr. Andress read a communication from Patti Smith and Keith Wetters recognizing Deputy Tim Smith for his work in the district. Mr. Andress said that he would forward a copy of the letter to Sheriff Miller. Mr. Thomas suggested that Deputy Smith be given a "Fish" award. Both Dawn Klida and Barbara Skowronski felt that this recognition was in order. It was decided that both Deputy Smith and Sheriff Miller would be invited to attend Monday's meeting to present Deputy Smith with the "Fish" award.

Mr. Kowalski asked for updated information on the rental rates for the high school auditorium. Mr. Balash will look into this and put the information in Friday's packet.

Rob Kennedy distributed copies of an update covering all of the building projects, as well as figures relative to the changes and additions. Mr. Kowalski asked that the issue regarding prevailing wage be checked. Mr. Kennedy stated that prevailing wage is being paid. This is a state law and the district is monitoring it. Mrs. Klida asked who checks the welding certification that Mr. Borch had talked about. Mr. Kennedy informed the Board that when the company is on site documents are provided that say they are certified and tests are done on all welds. Mrs. Klida requested that updated information be given to the Board after Mr. Balash and Mr. Kennedy meet with that representative.

Mr. Haeger updated the Board on the fiber project. He is still attempting to get Consumers Energy to do the engineering. At this time only two miles of seven miles has been engineered. Mr. Kowalski asked that he draft a letter to Consumers from the Board and Mr. Andress expressing the urgency to get this work done. Mr. Haeger provided contact information to Board members suggesting that each individual contact Consumers urging them to adhere to the set deadlines. Mr. Kowalski said that, on behalf of the Board, he would make a phone call and directed Mr. Andress to do the same.

reports

Board Committees/Board Members:

Mr. Loop reported that the Buildings and Ground Committee had met recently to discuss the project changes that will be presented to the Board later in the evening for approval.

Interim Superintendent: Mr. Andress distributed copies of the job descriptions for Athletic Director, Recreation Director, Athletic/Recreation Director, and Assistant Athletic/Recreation Director to Board members. He asked them to consider the information until Monday at which time he would like Board action approving them.

Mr. Andress reported that in a general session Tuesday evening the BTEA agreed to coordinate the middle and high school schedules. A Letter of Understanding that Mr. Allsopp reviewed stating that the high school will add an advisory period for next year was approved for the 2004/05 school year only. The entire contract will be negotiated next year and, if this period works out, the period will be included at that time. Mr. Kowalski asked that this be placed on the agenda for Monday's meeting. Mr. Loop asked how this will be accomplished. Mr. Andress explained the time frames for both buildings.

Mr. Andress also reported that a document was also received from Delta College stating that Joshua Kolka would be the Technology Department co-op next year.

Mr. Andress informed the Board that he is attending a Michigan Negotiators' Conference in Lansing for the remainder of the week.

Mr. Kowalski stated that Deb Gubbins had been trying to schedule a BTEA/Personnel Committee meeting. He had talked with Mr. Allsopp today regarding an employee issue and asked if Mr. Andress had received a reply to the May 3 letter. Mr. Andress had not received a reply. This issue will be discussed and handled with Mr. Allsopp.

Mr. Andress stated that the BTEA had requested a meeting with the Personnel Committee for clarification on the Professional Learning Communities. A date of May 27 was set at 5:30 p.m. for the committee to meet with the BTEA. Cara will contact BTEA representatives to confirm this date.

Interim Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Education/Federal Programs:  Mr. Heinrich was absent due to family business.

Financial Consultant - Budget: Mr. Lenar reported that he had met with Terry Balash, Don Haeger, and Rob Kennedy last week about the capital projects budget. The construction budget is staying even. Though they are on target now, the district needed to hold that line. Mr. Lenar distributed copies of projected enrollment and finance figures for various enrollment scenarios. Mr. Loop asked about the balance between this year's graduates and next year's Kindergarten enrollments. Mr. Andress reported the current Kindergarten enrollment for next year of 171.

Mr. Lenar said that this would be approximately the same as last year. The district could have $1.2 million fund equity at the end of this fiscal year, but he cautioned the Board about increases in health care benefits of approximately 18%. He felt that there would be no way to avoid a deficit budget. He will have more figures for Mr. Andress by the June meeting.

Mr. Kowalski asked if all retirees were being replaced in the upcoming budget. Mr. Andress said that the district had the same number of teachers that it had this year. Mr. Lenar said that, unfortunately, a drop of twenty-five students did not allow for much of a change in teachers. Mr. Kowalski asked if there were any cuts or elimination of teachers. Elimination of a seventh grade teacher at the middle school and fifth grade teacher at Bangor West were reported by Mr. Andress. He also said that a first grade had been added for next year due to the number in Kindergarten this year. Mrs. Klida asked if we had added any teachers that we don't already have. Mr. Andress reported that the high school had added one position, Industrial Arts, and the middle school had replace the Industrial Arts class with an Art class.

Mr. Kowalski then asked about the replacement of the Reaching Recovery teachers. Mr. Andress did not want to take the funds for a Reading Recovery teacher out of the general fund due to the budget, and the funds were not available through the grant. He had moved Kathy Walsh to Pat Voelker's position. Mr. Kowalski said that he had stated earlier this year about his concern for the importance of Reading Recovery. This is an imperative position and he has concerns. Mr. Andress said that Mr. Heinrich has the figures and he can present them Monday night. Discussion took place about the cost to replace a Reading Recovery teacher. Mr. Lenar said that the cost could be between $65,000 and $70,000 if the person needed to be trained. An option, Mr. Andress said, would be not to move Kathy Walsh.

Mr. Kowalski also stated his concern about remarks that were made on Bay 3 TV by Mr. Starkweather at a Bay City Schools Board meeting. The remarks made were regarding the status of John Glenn MEAP results. Discussion took place regarding airing Bangor statistics on Bay 3 TV, how this may take place, and cost.

Mr. Lenar said that he may be able to get expenditure information to Mr. Andress for Monday's meeting. He explained that some districts are basing their budget on a $50 to $100 pro-ration.

Director of Buildings and Grounds: Mr. Balash reported on items that include roofing, grass mowing, and the possible replacement of the big mower which had broken down. He also presented ideas for a new Bobcat sign over the press

window.

Mr. O'Hare said that the stadium had been named after Albert E. Johnson, and if the names were going up next year. Mr. Balash confirmed this. Mr. O'Hare also asked about John Loop Field and Jim Doyle Track. Mr. Balash will check this out.

Mrs. Klida said that she had heard people making comments about the weeds. Mr. Loop suggested "cold patching" the teachers' parking lot.

Director of John Glenn Athletics: Mr. Deming was attending his wife's retirement party.

Director of Middle School Athletics: Jennifer Gradowski was not present.

Director of Recreation:  Mr. Wetters was not present.

Booster Club Representative:   Mr. Beauchamp reported on the progress of the new ticket booth which should be completed in time for the new season. He also reported that the Gator had been repainted.

consent agenda

A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

a.         Personnel: Approval of Retirement: Karen Grossman - JGHS Counseling Secretary. Approval to Hire: Shari Kendziorski - CMMS Teacher. Approval of Tenure: Dale Clyde - JGHS Teacher; Jeremy Werner - JGHS Teacher.

b.         Approval of Minutes: April 21,2004 (work session and executive minutes), April 26, 2004 (special, executive, and regular minutes)

Mr. Thomas asked that a correction be made to the April 21, minutes.

Original: Mr. Deming reported that Whittemore Schools did not make it into the NEMC. 

Correction: Mr. Deming reported that Whittemore Schools did make it into the NEMC. 

Motion carried unanimously.

regular agenda

Recommendation to Approve Construction Modifications - Bulletin #2, 3, and 4, Plus Individual Items: Mr. Haeger reviewed the items on the Bulletins, as well as the additional changes and additions. Mrs. Skowronski recommended that the additional Bulletins and items be added to the recommendation for approval.

A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Terrence O'Hare, to approve Bulletin #2, #3 and #4, plus items 1, 2, and 1, and 2 on the second page. Mr. Kowalski asked that items 1 and 2 on the second page be renumbered 5 and 6 for clarification. Mr. Thomas stated that the total cost for these changes/additions amounted to $55,455. Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Approve 2003/04 Budget Amendment: Mr. Andress explained that this item had been tabled until this meeting. Mrs. Klida asked if there was any additional information. Mr. Lenar said “no.” A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by John Loop, to approve the amended budget as presented in April. Motion carried unanimously

Recommendation to Approve Auditing Firm for 2004/ 2005. 2006. 2007:  Mr. Andress recommended that, based on the bids and qualifications, Rehman Robson be approved as the auditing firm.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Mr. Lenar was comfortable with this as he had recommended Yeo and Yeo. Mr. Lenar felt that Rehman Robson had experience in government accounting more than in schools. Mr. Loop asked if this firm also made other recommendations. Mr. Lenar said that the management letter usually suggested any alterations in procedure if needed. Various questions were asked by Board members relating to difficulties that may arise due to a change in auditing firm. Mr. Lenar said that it may take more time for staff members to get familiar with the procedures. Mrs. Klida felt that due to changes in the accounting office, Mari would know what to look for. Mr. Kowalski felt that any CPA would be able to do the same audit for the district.

Mr. Loop made a motion, supported by George Thomas, to support the recommendation for Rehman Robson as the auditing firm. Ayes: Richard Kowalski George Thomas, Terrence O'Hare, John Loop, Barbara Skowronski. Nays: Dawn Klida. Absent: Scott Sturm. Motion carried.

Recommendation to Post Middle School Family Services Coordinator: Mr. Andress asked that this be tabled until Monday's meeting so that Rick Heinrich can report on it.

Finalize Discussion of Superintendent Contract: Copies of a draft contract written by Mr. Allsopp were distributed by Mr. Kowalski. He explained that the bereavement section had been changed and that it would be a two-year contract.

At 9:15 p.m. Mr. Kowalski asked for a five-minute recess while Board members reviewed the contract.

The meeting reconvened at 9:20 p.m. with discussion about the superintendent's salary. Mr. O'Hare felt that $98,000 would be very comparable to other districts. Mr. Kowalski's recommendation was $100,000 and delete the annuity and IRS allowance for vehicle use. He also suggested revisiting the salary next year. Mr. Lenar said that he had budgeted 3% for administrators for next year and that Mike's interest was to get $100,000 to help him toward his pension.

Mr. Andress reiterated that Mr. Lazaroff had not been given a raise for two years, had  he gotten those raises, he would be at approximately $98,000 this year and may have been up to $100,000 this year. The average for this part of the state is $101,000. Mr. Kowalski replied that every school needed to make a decision on their ability to pay.

Mr. Andress said that over the last three years the HRC had lost one-half of its administrative staff, including the superintendent. Rick Heinrich, Terry Balash, and I were doing the work of six people a while ago. There is not even a full-time finance person. Mr. Andress said that he saved the district $100,000 - whatever Rick Heinrich's salary would have been this year. Mr. Kowalski said that Mr. Andress had been compensated for that.

Mr. O'Hare agreed with the $100,000 with a $2,500 annuity. Mr. Thomas asked Mr Kowalski what he was looking at. Mr. Kowalski said $100,000 with no annuity. Mr. Thomas agreed with Mr. O'Hare's idea. Mr. Loop said that he had a problem with it. He said that he would rather see three percent this year with three percent next year - $97,000 or $98,000 with $2,500 annuity.

Mr. Kowalski referred to the advertisement for the position which stated $100,000. Mr. Andress mentioned that he was more concerned about the two year contract. He said there were people running for a public office that are out to get him. Mr. Kowalski asked for clarification on what office. Mr. Andress told him the School Board. Mr. Kowalski said that the entire Board makes the decisions and that Mr. Andress had to have the wherewithal to do the job and it shouldn't make any bit of difference whether somebody is running for office. Mr. Andress said that a three- year contract was more secure. Mrs. Klida asked if a two-year contract was any different than any other administrator in the district. Mr. Andress answered "no."

Mrs. Skowronski made a motion that the Board offer a salary of $100,000 for the 2004/05 school year. Mr. Thomas supported this motion. Mr. Kowalski asked if the annuity would be maintained, or would this be a separate discussion item. It was then decided that the salary would be $100,000 including the same annuity of $2,500 with a car allowance persuant to IRS guidelines. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kowalski informed Mr. Andress to get with Mr. Allsopp about finalizing the contract. Mrs. Klida asked that the bereavement section be more specific. Mr. Andress said that he would get the teacher contract language regarding bereavement to Mr. Allsopp to draft the appropriate language. Final copies then will be provided to the Board members for Monday evening.

Discussion of Strategic Plan:  Mr. Andress had copied Board members on a plan that Mike Dewey, ISD Superintendent, had provided him. MASB also offers the service of facilitating the planning meeting. Mr. Kowalski asked that Mr. Andress set this meeting up for August with somebody that is the most cost effective. Mrs. Klida stated that this should not be somebody that has not done this before.

Discussion of Support Staff: Mr. Kowalski questioned the transfer of support staff back to the ISD. The Board had made the decision earlier this year that they would not do this, but there is a possible cost savings. He asked that this be investigated again and put this to bed. He stated that he would like Mr. Loop and Mrs. Skowronski to work with Rick Heinrich and Mr. Dewey to see about cost savings and the impact to the district and bring this back to the regular June Board meeting.

Mr. Loop stated that he would like to have a report on the goals that were set last fall from Mr. Andress. Mr. Kowalski also asked Mr. Andress to report on the organizational plan.

Mrs. Klida asked if the district was following the Board-established hiring procedures. Mr. Andress told her that Mrs. Moore was handling all of the hiring procedures as outlined in policy.

At 10:00 p.m. a motion was made by Terrence O'Hare, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawn Klida Secretary