BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                                                                                              REGULAR MEETING

                                                                                                              OCTOBER 20, 2003

The Bangor Township Board of Education held a regular meeting on Monday, October 20, 2003, at Bangor Central Elementary.  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

Kevin Ora, middle school custodian, expressed his concern about the possible elimination of a utility position.  Mr. Ora also stated his interest in the position should it be posted.  He stated that there was work not getting done because there are not enough people to do it.  He felt the district could not afford to eliminate this position.

Mr. Kowalski thanked Mr. Ora for his input, and told him that a committee had been formed to discuss the job description and this position.  The budget will also be reviewed before the position is eliminated.

Mr. Thomas stated that three custodians were representatives on the committee to study this position.

Mr. Kowalski read a letter from Christine Harvey expressing a wish to have cheerleading at the middle school.

presentation - jeff mayes, township supervisor

Mr. Mayes asked that the Board and audience give input on new versions of signs that will be used in the township.  Two variations with different logos were displayed.

“stargram” presentation - terence balash, director of buildings and grounds

Mr. Balash was presented with a certificate of recognition as a recipient of a “Stargram” written by Pat Maxim.

bangor central staff presentation

A short presentation was given by Beth Jill about the Reading Recovery Program at Bangor Central.  Mrs. Tuttle updated the audience on various items taking place at Bangor Central.

reports

 
Board Committees/Board Members: Mr. Sturm reported that the Transportation Committee had met and discussed language changes in the bus drivers’ contract.  Discussion had also taken place at the meeting about purchasing used buses from Essexville-Hampton.  These items will be discussed later in the meeting.

Interim Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported on MEAP results, flu shots, and a district-wide NCA program.  He also reported that he has had many positive comments about his new “Electric Grapevine.”  Mr. Kowalski stated that Mr. Andress should be commended for initiating this.  Mr. Andress also reported that the last football game would take place Friday and that a plaque honoring the booster club would be presented at half-time.

Financial Consultant:  Mr. Lenar reviewed updated budget information he distributed that was based on the fall student enrollment figures.  Mr. Kowalski asked what the current fund equity was.  Mr. Lenar said that it was between $750,000 and $800,000.  Mr. Lenar reviewed the possibility of cuts that could be implemented by the state which could then bring this amount down by approximately $225,000.

Mr. Lenar distributed copies of the Athletic and Food Service fund accounts for review.  It was the consensus of the Board that summaries of all accounts would be given them for review on a monthly basis for their information. 

He also reported on information from the architects regarding RFP’s.  It was decided that Mr. Andress and Mr. Lenar would make the decisions, with assistance from Stauder Barch, to invest funds from the bond.  This item was added to the Consent Agenda for Board approval.

Mr. Kowalski asked if Mr. Lenar felt comfortable with the money when it comes due regarding payments as they moved through the bond issue. Mr. Lenar reviewed the process being used for payments as the bills come through from the architects.

Director of Buildings and Grounds: Mr. Balash reported on various items that included the football stadium sprinklers, a berm construction update, a power shutdown, stadium fencing, and upcoming meetings with Rob Kennedy and the architects.

Building Administrator Reports: Buildings reports were given by the administrators of Bangor North, Bangor West, Bangor Lincoln, Christa McAuliffe Middle School, and John Glenn High School.

Mr. Kowalski congratulated Patti Smith for her article on “Dorothy” and “there is no place like home.”  He also thanked her for the job she is doing at the high school.  Mr. Loop asked that Mrs. Smith please pass on congratulations to those that are participating with the Grade Keeper Program.

At 9:05 p.m. Mr. Kowalski asked that a five minute recess be taken.

At 9:15 p.m. the meeting reconvened.
 

consent agenda

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Dawn Klida, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

a.             Approval of Monthly Expenditures

Grand Total All Funds - $1,838,645.17

(Payroll portion equals: $1,199,911.60)

b.             Approval of Minutes - October 15, 2003 (work session)

c.             Approval for the Superintendent and/or his Designee to Invest Funds As Recommended by Stauder Barch

At this time Mr. Kowalski stated that a comment on page two of the October 15 minutes was not made by him.

Original:  Mr. Kowalski asked that consideration be given to have some of the athletic work done by Jennifer Gradowski while Mr. Deming is out on medical leave.  Mr. O’Hare asked that Mr. Andress come back to the Board with recommendations if Mr. Deming is out longer than originally expected.  Mr. Andress stated that Ms. Gradowski had shown an interest in covering this position if Mr. Deming is out for an extended period of time.

Correction: (No other Board members acknowledged that they had made the comment.  The comment was deleted from the record.)

Motion carried unanimously.
 

regular agenda

Recommendation for Approval of Revised Job Description - Payroll Secretary:  Mr. Andress reviewed the changes made to the job description and explained that Mr. Lenar had also reviewed them.  A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to approve the recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Ratify Language Changes in Contract with United Steelworkers (Bus Drivers) Association - Route Bidding: Mr. Heinrich reviewed the language changes.  A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Ratify Language Changes in Contract with United Steelworkers (Bus Drivers) Association - Clarification of Fill-In Assignments: 

Mr. Heinrich reviewed the language changes.  A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Purchase Used Buses from Essexville-Hampton Schools: Mr. Heinrich explained that an offer had been made on two buses, but he would only be recommending the purchase of one for $5,000.  A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Add A Part-Time BTESP Computer Technician’s Position:  Mr. Andress explained that this recommendation was to change the part-time college coop position to a BTEA represented position.  This was arrived at through discussions with the BTESP.  A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this recommendation.

Mrs. Klida asked if an issue would arise regarding not posting this position.  Mr. Andress stated that this had been negotiated with the BTESP and had been agreed upon.  This had also been discussed with legal counsel.  Mrs. Klida stated that something probably should be in writing on that. 

Lynne Moore, BTESP President, reviewed the process that has been followed in the past when someone has done bargaining unit work and the position they held was accreted into the unit.  Examples were food service cashiers and the position that Martha Lesperance had held.  Mrs. Klida asked her if she thought any paperwork would be needed.  Mrs. Moore said that this speeded up the process by agreeing to it this way.  Mrs. Klida said that she did not want to have a grievance filed.  Mrs. Skowronski asked if this person would be getting benefits once the job was in the bargaining unit.  Mr. Andress said no, and that the wages were just slightly more than what is being earned now.  The position was for twenty-five hours per week. 

Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Approval of Resignation: Mark Dodak - CMMS Teacher: Mr. Andress explained that he had just received this resignation letter earlier this afternoon and asked that the Board act on it this evening.  A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to approve the resignation.  Motion carried unanimously.

other items for discussion

Mr. Loop inquired if any discussion would take place about an item that had been brought up last week.  Mr. Kowalski said that discussion would take place at the next work session.

Mr. Andress apologized to the Board for the late item additions to the agenda.  At 9:35 p.m. a motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by George Thomas, to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Dawn Klida

Secretary