BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
WORK SESSION
JUNE 23, 2004
The Bangor Township Board of Education held a work session on Wednesday, June 23, 2004, at Bangor Edison School. President Kowalski called the meeting to order at 7:48 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
Janet Dine reviewed a letter of concern that she had written to Mr. Andress regarding the band’s Washington D.C. trip, as well as a band camp issue.
Mr. Kowalski suggested that, due to a grievance and procedures that needed to be followed, Mrs. Dine meet personally with the superintendent about the issues. Mrs. Dine stated that she had already met with Mr. Andress and asked if there was anything else that the Board could do to resolve the band camp issue.
Mr. Kowalski again explained that this was an item that needed to be negotiated with the teachers’ association and that the Board could not resolve it at this time.
Mr. Kowalski read a note from Karen Grossman thanking the Board for the retirement gift.
Mrs. Dzuirka stated that it meant a lot to the band students to have band camp. Mr. Kowalski stated that Mr. Heinrich and Mr. Andress would be working on this problem. Mr. Heinrich explained that a grievance process is in place, and he would try to push this process to closure.
stargram recipients - heather richards, angela miller, and leanne gauthier - cmms staff
Mr. Heinrich explained that none of the recipients were present at the meeting. He asked that Mrs. Bibbee deliver the certificates to the staff members.
construction update - rob kennedy and don haeger
Mr. Kennedy distributed copies of the monthly progress report and change order requests for projects for May and June to Board members. He reported on the progress of the jobs under construction.
Mr. Kowalski asked about the situation regarding prevailing wage. Mr. Heinrich stated that he would give an update on this issue during his report.
Mr. Haeger distributed copies of the budget for the projects. Mr. Loop asked about the Bangor Central storage room situation. Mr. Kennedy explained the problem and what was done to fix it.
Mr. Kowalski asked about the meeting with Consumer’s Energy regarding the poles. Mr. Heinrich stated that a meeting had taken place with Patty Rutkiewicz, Terry Balash, and Consumer’s Energy representatives.
Mr. Kowalski asked if the water main situation at Bangor Central had been discussed with the fire marshal. Mr. Haeger said that at the time the issue was brought up, he had asked the fire marshal to put the question in writing. He also stated that Mr. Mayes said that, until he could get something in writing from the building inspector and fire marshal, he did not want the district to do anything.
Mr. Balash stated that he and Mr. Andress had held a meeting with Mr. Bellor and Mr. DeGrow about the issue.
Mr. Haeger then reviewed Change Order #3 for Wolgast regarding various items at the middle school, Bangor West, and Bangor Central.
reports
Board Committees/Board Members:
Mr. Loop reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had held a meeting on June 16. Items reviewed in that meeting were those presented during the construction update. The item regarding ceiling damage in the storage room at Bangor Central had been approved by the superintendent.
Mr. Loop also asked if the ad hoc committee investigating the move of itinerant staff should report at Monday’s meeting. Mr. Kowalski felt that the report may make an impact on hiring of new personnel. Mr. Heinrich explained that the itinerant staff, upon being laid off from the district, would then have seniority and bumping rights and could displace specific non-tenure employees. Three itinerant staff members have teaching credentials and would be able to bump into the BTEA.
Mrs. Skowronski asked if the report by the ad hoc committee could be given to the Board this evening. Mr. Kowalski said that, if the Board wants to make a decision on this, it could impact on the potential hiring of the new people. They needed to look at a contingency plan. This could have a very, very negative impact. Mr. Heinrich explained the time line involved in the lay-off procedure, as well as bumping. He felt it could be it could take up to one month. Employees would inform him where they wanted to go if they wanted to do this.
Mrs. Klida asked if the decision is to change what the district currently has in place, could the district stand to lose some people. Mr. Kowalski said that this was true. Mr. Heinrich explained that he was going to prepare some more scenarios and numbers for the Board for Monday, but if it was the general consensus to give the update this evening, he could fill in the information.
Mr. Loop reported that he, Mrs. Skowronski, and Mr. Heinrich had met with the finance director and superintendent of the ISD regarding the transfer of the itinerant staff. The rough estimate of savings to Bangor would be approximately $10,000 per person. There are six itinerant staff members, so the initial savings would be $61,968. Reimbursements are received on part of their salaries and insurance benefits. The savings would be reduced due to Medicaid funds of approximately $31,175 that are brought into the district. This money would now go to the ISD. The real savings would be about $31,000. Bangor would lose all of these in the first year, but could recover $6,000 to $7,000. Additional savings would be seen in supplies and material costs, as well as administrative time and evaluation time.
Mr. Kowalski asked how much administrative time would be saved. Mr. Heinrich said that he probably contributed less than five percent of his time to this area. He still supervises the whole special education program.
Mr. Loop then explained the following disadvantages. Bangor would have loss of local control over the itinerants. The ISD would only guarantee use of the same personnel for one year. There would be a possible loss of accountability. The ISD would make the assignments after next year and also supervise and conduct evaluations. Some cases were cited where Bangor may get somebody they did not want, but could not get them removed. Mr. Loop also stated that Bangor could lose flexibility in scheduling, i.e., attendance by the teacher at parent/teacher conferences. The ISD would not require them to attend such meetings. Bangor could also lose local control over placement of students and student services. Other concerns included loss of continuity, unavailability of the supervisor to staff members when needed, negative impact on TAT meetings (sitting down with regular education staff and discussing student concerns), possible loss of special programs and that impact. Mrs. Skowronski also stated the job descriptions could be conflicting -- teachers would not have the freedom of doing the job as they do now. Determination of special education students was also discussed.
Mrs. Klida said that her initial reaction is that Bangor would lose more than it would gain, not just in dollars and cents. Local control is very important and so is the timing. She would not be in support to change the structure at this time.
Mr. Sturm agreed with Mrs. Klida wholeheartedly. He made a motion that the district keep the special education team.
Mr. Loop said that he would second that motion, however, he felt the timing was wrong. He stated that the fund equity would be cut in half and that the district was one year away from a zero fund equity. Mr. Kowalski said that he truly believed that they should look at having this information available next fall so that the Board can make a decision next year in a more timely fashion. This should be addressed in September to be able to make a decision in December or January.
Mrs. Skowronski suggested amending Mr. Sturm’s motion to retain the itinerant staff for the 2004/05 school year and investigate the matter more thoroughly.
Mr. Loop agreed. Mr. O’Hare said he would really like to hear Mr. Heinrich’s opinion, and that the decision did not need a motion. Mr. Heinrich stated that this was discussed a year ago and the numbers had not really changed. He reiterated the bumping process that could take place and felt that the savings would not be substantial. He also felt that the district could lose instructionally and that it was not just a financial issue. The motion was thrown out.
Mr. Kowalski thanked Mr. Loop and Mrs. Skowronski for the work that was done on the committee and the information that was brought back.
Interim Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Education/Federal Programs: Mr. Heinrich reported that he would like to bring a recommendation for increases to the Board members Monday for the non-union staff members in the district. These staff members include Family Services Coordinators and noon aides. He gave Board members an update on the current Schools of Choice applicants, as well as a petition by the United Steelworkers (bus drivers) to accrete bus aides into their unit. He also explained that he had received a FOIA request from the ironworkers union regarding prevailing wage information. He is currently working with Dave Masud on this issue. Mr. Masud informed him that a number of school districts had received the same request, and that he is preparing a response.
Mr. Heinrich thanked administrators for all of their work on year-end activities, and Board members for taking the time to attend functions.
Mrs. Klida inquired about the prevailing wage issue and whether the district kept the information. Mr. Kennedy stated that it can be gotten. Someone can go and monitor it at Wolgast’s office to make sure this is being done. Mrs. Klida asked if this could be investigated further to see if it should be done. Mr. Balash said that information had been provided to the unions about the prevailing wage, but will not be looked at until payment is made. Mr. Kennedy stated that he is waiting for the response, at which time they will go and view it.
Financial Consultant: Mr. Lenar reported on year-end activities. He will be meeting with the new auditors to review the preliminary work on July 19. He stated that he could have the 2005/06 and, possibly, the 2006/07 budget information for the Board on Monday.
Director of Buildings and Grounds: Mr. Balash reported on the progress of the stadium. He also distributed copies of the area’s facility use rates. He explained that if the district changed to an hourly rate, they would come across pretty even with other districts’ rates. He also said that the pool use rate could be increased. He asked that the new rates be approved at Monday’s meeting.
Mr. Balash said that he would like to move ahead on sale of the boxing club. He said that the funds from this sale could provide the money to run the egress that the fire marshal is requiring that the district install at Bangor Central.
Mr. Kowalski was under the impression that the district would look at changing the classification of property at Bangor South. Mr. Balash said that if he started that process it would become public knowledge. He needed full approval from the Board to proceed with this. Mr. Kowalski asked Mr. Balash to put the rationale for this in Friday’s packet so the Board could act on it Monday. This was the consensus of the Board. Mr. Loop also stated that the fire marshal needed to be informed that the bond money could not be used for the easement.
consent agenda
Mr. Kowalski asked that Amanda Klida’s approval for hire be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda as 7J.
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:
a. Personnel: Approval to Hire: Shawn Bishop - Principal, Bangor Lincoln Elementary; Matt Ruhlig, John Glenn Athletic Director; Kristin Roth, John Glenn Spanish Teacher; Andy Richards and Amy Venema, John Glenn Math Teachers; Joshua Myers, John Glenn Industrial Arts Teacher; Amanda Klida - John Glenn English Teacher; Suzette Hudson - CMMS Computer Teacher; Vicki Menke - Bangor Lincoln Kindergarten Teacher; Katie Keith - Bangor West 5th Grade; Dawn LaBelle - Bangor West 3rd Grade; Kelly Schaefer -
Cook; Krissie Sample and Tammy Schultz, Cashiers.
Motion carried unanimously.
New teachers present in the audience were introduced at this time.
b. Approval of Minutes: May 24, 2004 (regular meeting). A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve these minutes.
Motion carried unanimously.
regular agenda
Recommendation to Approve 2004/05 Proposed Budget: A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Dawn Klida to approve the budget as presented at the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously.
Approval of 2004 Tax Rate Request: A motion was made by John Loop, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve MASB Membership for 2004/05: A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve Math Textbook Adoption - Harcourt: A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Dawn Klida, to approve this recommendation. Mr. Heinrich explained that staff input had been received and that vendors had given presentations to staff members. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation on Assistant Superintendent Contract: A motion was made by Scott Sturm, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendations for Administrative Contracts: A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to approve the recommendations as provided in the Board packet. Mr. Loop asked about the length of the contracts. Mr. Heinrich stated that all contracts were for two years - next year and the following year. Mr. O’Hare asked if the district could afford it financially. Mr. Lenar confirmed this for next year. Mrs. Klida asked if the recommendation would also include removal of the “interim” status for Keith Wetters. This was confirmed. Motion carried unanimously.
Set July Organizational Meeting Date: Mr. Kowalski suggested July 12 be set for the Organizational Meeting. It was the consensus of the Board for this date be set with the time set for 5:30 p.m.
Request for Approval to Attend Fall Superintendents’ Conference - Traverse City: A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by George Thomas to approve this request. Motion carried unanimously.
Request to Carry Over Vacation Days - Superintendent: A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by George Thomas, to approve this request. Motion carried unanimously.
Personnel: Approval to Hire Amanda Klida, John Glenn English Teacher: a motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this recommendation. A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Richard Kowalski, George Thomas, Terrence O’Hare, Barbara Skowronski, John Loop, Scott Sturm. Nays: None. Abstention: Dawn Klida. Motion carried.
other items for discussion
Mr. Loop requested that Mr. Jeff Hartt be honored at Monday’s meeting for making the Baseball Coach Hall of Fame.
Mrs. Klida requested that Mrs. Santos and Ms. Cygan from the Township Clerk’s office be placed on the agenda for a future meeting to present significant savings for future elections.
Mr. Heinrich informed the Board that the HRC would be closed on July 5 due to the July 4 holiday.
Mr. Heinrich also stated that he would like to place the Family Services Coordinators and lunch aides on the agenda Monday for salary increases. He will have this information in the packets.
At 9:05 p.m. a motion was made by John Loop to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Klida, Secretary