BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 15, 2004
The Bangor Township Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, March 15, 2004, at Christa McAuliffe idle 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, Barbara Skowronski, and Scott Sturm.
Members absent: None
EXPRESSIONS/COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Kowalski read a thank you note received from Mr. Michael Dodge who had interviewed for the superintendent position.
STARGRAM RECIPIENT
Mr. Andress introduced Ann Moore who has been a substitute aide in the Early Childhood Developmental Program at Bangor North since December 2002. A certificate of recognition was presented to her.
STUDENT/STAFF RECOGNITION
Mr. Andress introduced Jeanne Gilbert and members of her Forensics Team who were being recognized for taking top state honors, first place in Class B competition and second in the entire state.
Mr. Andress also recognized the girls’ and boys’ bowling teams for their accomplishments in state competition.
Mrs. Smith introduced Shelby Anderson and Danielle Klida, representatives from the John Glenn Student Senate, who explained the process that was used to write a new policy regarding inappropriate behavior and infractions of the student code of ethics and the policy’s implications toward homecoming activities. Miss Klida and Miss Albertson stated that both students and parents would sign a form at the beginning of the school year that would be on file for later reference if an infraction occurred.
Mr. Kowalski thanked the students, on behalf of the Board, for the work they did on this project.
REPORTS
Board Committees/Board Members
Mr. Loop reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had met to review a list of the general contract alternates in correlation with the bond project. Mr. Balash and the Wakely representative explained each item and why the alternates were put to the side. Mr. Loop said that a recommendation would be made later in the evening for approval.
Mr. Thomas reported that the Personnel Committee had met recently with the BTEA. Items discussed included the 2004/05 calendar, district-wide Learning Communities program, and a retirement incentive.
He also reported that the Personnel Committee had met with the BTESP Living Agreement Team. Items discussed included a contract extension, health care benefits, a utility position that had not been filled, full-time substitutes for custodial staff, snow day compensation for fifty-two week employees, and evaluations for cooks.
Interim Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported that the middle school had begun using parent volunteers to supervise students and searches. Floating subs are being used to monitor activities at both the high school and middle school.
Mr. Andress stated that Mr. Mynsberg would be coming in this week to meet with Patty Smith, high school principal, about crisis intervention criteria. Marty Doring from the ISD would also be bringing in the county crisis team to evaluate the high school.
A meeting with Patty Smith, Keith Wetters, and Coca Cola representatives was also reviewed by Mr. Andress. He distributed copies of information from that company and asked that Board members review it before any decision is made. His recommendation will be made at next month’s Board meeting. This will be to go with the three-year contract. He asked the Board if they would like him to get the same information from Pepsi. Two Board members felt this would be helpful. Mrs. Smith felt that, if it were up to the students, Coke would be the winner and getting Pepsi information would be a waste of time. Mr. Kowalski stated that, if students would not buy the Pepsi product, the district would not see any gain.
Mr. Andress stated that the BTEA had asked if the $1,000-retirement incentive could be offered as a longevity payment or 401A account. Mr. Kowalski stated that the Board would discuss this in an executive session at the end of the meeting.
Mr. Kowalski asked that Rob Kennedy investigate a question that was brought to him by Mr. Marty Schlitt about the alternates and electronic flushers. Mr. Kennedy stated that the electronic flushers were a “zero” cost change. Mr. Kowalski asked that Mr. Kennedy get with Mr. Schlitt about the maintenance concerns he has. Mr. Balash said that there was one unit in the building prior to his arrival in the district, and he has not had any trouble with the unit.
Consent Agenda
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Dawn Klida, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a. Approval of Monthly Expenditures Grand Total all Funds - $991,425.29 (Payroll portion equals $692,864.69)
b. Approval of Minutes - March 8, 2004 (special and executive minutes), March 10, 2004 (special meeting)
c. Personnel: Approval of Teacher Tenure Casey Luck - 5th Grade, Bangor Central Elementary; Natalie Beaudoen - Special Education Teacher, Bangor Lincoln Elementary.
Motion carried unanimously.
REGULAR AGENDA
Recommendation to Approve Sports Medicine Agreement (Trainer) with Bay Regional Medical Center: Mr. Andress stated that this would include a 3.15% increase over last year’s contract and recommended Board approval. A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve the recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve Alternates for General Contract: Mr. Andress turned this over to Rob Kennedy for review of information. Mr. Kennedy also stated that he would look into the auto flush system and maintenance issue. Mr. Loop said that he was concerned about upgrading the roof from a twenty-year to a 30- year warrantied roof. Mr. Kennedy explained to him that, due to the district’s structures, the warranties would be circumvented if upgraded.
A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve 2004105 School Calendar: Mr. Andress reviewed the calendar being recommended for the 2004/05 school year.
Mrs. Klida was concerned about the length of time between breaks for the students. Mr. Andress said that this was a one-time occurrence due to construction projects. Mr. Kowalski stated that the district should start getting the message out to parents and staff as soon as possible. Mr. Loop asked if the district could have a “Plan B” put in place in case projects were not finished in time for the start of school. Mr. Andress stated that this would have to be worked out with the BTEA. He suggested that minutes could be added to each day, but this would have to be discussed with the teachers association. Mr. Kowalski felt this should be discussed with them. The proposed calendar would be “Plan A.”
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve the calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Mr. Kowalski said that he had noticed in the minutes from the ISD Board meeting that an ACD had been approved, and asked if Bangor would be making a move to take care of pagers and cell phones in the district.
Mr. Andress said that our current Board policy does not allow them in the schools. He will review this and also have Mr. Allsopp review it as well.
Mrs. Skowronski informed everyone that the John Glenn band had taken ones in three areas of competition this weekend.
Mrs. Klida asked that the band be recognized at a future meeting.
At 8:15 p.m. Mr. Kowalski requested a five minutes recess.
At 8:22 p.m. a motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to go into executive session to discuss negotiations. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes:
Richard Kowalski, George Thomas, Dawn Klida, Terrence O’Hare, John Loop, Barbara Skowronski, Scott Sturm. Nays: None. Motion carried.
At 8:32 p.m. the Board reconvened into open session.
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to follow the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent regarding the financial mechanism of payment of the $1,000 for notice of intent to retire by April 1, 2004.
At 8:35 p.m. a motion was made by George Thomas, supported by John Loop, to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Klida, Secretary