BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 4, 2004
The Bangor Township Board of Education held a special meeting on Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at Christa McAuliffe Middle School. President Kowalski called the meeting to order at 4:30 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
None.
action items
Approval of Minutes - January 26, 2004 (regular meeting): A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve the minutes from the January 26, 2004, regular meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve High School Curriculum Changes: Mr. Loop reported that the Curriculum Committee had met recently to discuss suggested changes in the curriculum, graduation requirements, and marking periods.
A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by George Thomas, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve Renewal of 18-Mills Non-Homestead for Ten Years: Mr. Andress reported that Mr. Lenar’s recommendation would be to ask for the 18-mills to be renewed for a ten year period.
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to support this recommendation. Mrs. Klida was concerned about how this would be presented to the community. Mr. Andress reported that he had already started educating the public with an article in the Report Card.
Motion carried unanimously.
Recommendation to Approve High School Science Project Facilitator - Robert Shearer: Mr. Loop explained what the liaison position would entail. Mr. Kowalski stated that the initial proposal for the facilitator was for $500. Mr. Loop stated that a limitation should be put on the number of days and cost. Mr. Loop’s felt this person was needed to meet with the science staff to bring back this compiled information to the architect. The cost of $165 per day was discussed. This was the rate for a long-term substitute teacher. Mrs. Klida felt that the district should be very specific about the duties required, as well as have a contract drawn up.
Mr. Andress voiced his concern about where the funding would come from for this position. Mrs. Klida felt that until they find out, the Board would give Mr. Andress the go-ahead to get more information.
Questions about the middle school science project were raised and why a facilitator was not needed. Mrs. Smith said that there was a vast difference between the high school and middle school science labs. Mr. Loop stated that the question was whether they should leave this up to the architect to design. Mr. Kowalski felt that the employees needed to be involved in the work being done in their area. Mr. Andress is to check with Mr. Lenar to find out where the funds can come from. He will also talk to Mr. Shearer and define what the scope of the position is. Mr. Andress will also put a beginning and end date on this, as well as check with the attorney. Mr. Balash clarified that Rob Kennedy’s title had been specified and that there was a specific line item for that.
Mr. Kowalski referred to a letter that he had received from Bangor North staff regarding the cable model connection at the building. Mr. Andress stated that he had met with Ms. Rutkiewicz about this recently. The problems center around Charter Communications. Our technicians have been at the building, but have not been able to find a problem related to our district connections. There is one classroom at North that is funded from our general fund. That is the PPI room. The district has not been collecting any money for computer services done outside of that classroom. Services would be provided to Julie Taylor’s room at the high school as a higher priority item than services requested at Bangor North. Mrs. Klida asked if the staff members understood the situation. Mr. Andress said that they have been informed, but they did not understand. He also stated that the district has decided to contact SBC for services and also dissolve the service with Charter. Mrs. Klida suggested that Mr. Andress and Ms. Rutkiewicz sit down with the staff members and explain the situation. Mr. Kowalski said that he would like Mr. Andress to get with Mr. Matuszewski and have a meeting with the staff to find out where we are with this situation.
Mr. O’Hare stated that if there is a problem, they should be going to the administrator of the building. He had a problem with them going above the building administrator directly to the Board. Mr. Andress is to follow-up with the staff and give a report back to the Board.
Direction Request for Drivers’ Education: Mr. Heinrich distributed budget information regarding the drivers’ education program. He stated that the fees would need to be increased to at least $275 plus an additional fee for Segment II. He felt that right now the district should get out from under the program. He has talked with Mr. Shaffer about this. Mr. Heinrich would like to put together a letter informing parents that the district would not be offering drivers’ education and give parents other options. Discussion took place about the Sears Driving School and their suggestion to offer it to our students if they were provided a classroom in the district. Mr. O’Hare felt that if the district were going to get out of the program it should get out entirely. Liability for use of the classroom by Sears was discussed. Mrs. Klida suggested contacting the Bay City Times to see if an article could be written explaining the discontinuance of this program.
A motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to stop offering drivers’ education after the current group has completed Segment I. This is to be effective January 31, 2001.
Mr. O’Hare asked Mr. Heinrich to look into further options for the students. Motion carried unanimously.
discussion of ten-year strategic site plan
John Loop distributed copies of the facilities study and asked that discussion take place about the timelines for the projects. Input was given by Board members with the following goals set to distinguish project priorities.
1. Safety first
2. Maintain present facilities
3. Oversee bond proposal projects coming in on time and within cost
4. Find sources of revenue to continue
5. Improve/add to existing facilities
6. Hold a yearly update meeting
Mr. Kowalski asked that a bond update/ facility planning meeting be added to the yearly Board meeting schedule when they are established in July.
Mr. O’Hare requested that communication should be sent to board members when something happened and plans change. Mr. Andress stated that an agreement be made contingent upon enrollment increases to stick to the five main sites.
Mrs. Klida asked if the Board was required at this point to recognize this as the plan. Mr. O’Hare stated the need to have an overall master plan that the district can go back to review each year.
Mr. Loop then reviewed the ground rules for use of the bond money as follows:
· Bond money must be spent in the designated buildings listed in the bond issue and for those projects designated.
· Construction contingency funds are for unforeseen problems and overruns.
· No funds can be spent on other projects until those projects stated in the bond issue are completed.
· If funds are left over after the initial bond issue items are completed, they must be spent within the framework of the bond issue verbiage.
· This bond issue was for $14,660,000. Of that $1,152,000 was listed as construction contingencies.
· Bond Issue Verbiage: ...replace the roofs, mechanical and electrical systems at Lincoln and Central elementary Schools, Christa McAuliffe Middle School and John Glenn High School; replace the mechanical and electrical systems at West Elementary School; erect, furnish and equip an addition to Central Elementary School; partially remodel existing K-12 buildings; provide new seating and a press box at the football field; and site development and improvements...
Mr. Loop reviewed ideas for potential funding sources after the bond funds were gone. He estimated that funds would be there until approximately 2006/07. They are as follows:
1. Sell a parcel of property (3-1 acre lots) on east side of Central Elementary. Property is on State Street Road. We would need to retain an easement of sixty-six feet (est. value $40,000/lot).
2. Sell property and building at 3736 State Street Road (Bangor South). Present zoning (R-3) limits uses and value. (est. value $250,000 R-3 zoning; est. value $373,000 C-3 zoning)
3. Sell property and building at 3514 Old Kawkawlin Road (“Old School House”). (est. value $30,000)
4. Sell property and building at 504 Revilo Drive (Bangor North). (est. value $256,000)
5. Designate some percentage (5%, 10%, etc.) Of any state increase
6. Garnish a percentage of gate receipts or attach a surcharge to each ticket sale.
7. Set aside a percentage of the district’s general fund each year
8. Utilize the contingency funds in year three and year four projects.
9. One-time computer millage request.
10. Look at creating a sinking fund in ten years.
Mr. Thomas suggested that the property, as listed, be sold as soon as possible. Mr. O’Hare had a problem with doing things around areas where the district was active and selling property too prematurely.
Mr. Kowalski stated that, as a Board, they were at least looking to sell the “Old School” and possibly Bangor South. Mr. Loop said that by selling these the district could use the money for other schools that were not addressed in the bond. Mr. Kowalski felt that the Board should decide whether the district would utilize Bangor South in the future. Mr. O’Hare reminded everyone that this could also be sold and used by a charter school entity. Mr. Andress felt that once it was sold it could very well go commercial.
Mr. O’Hare asked that the Bangor Township Planning Commission be approached regarding re-zoning. Mr. Balash commented that the two adjoining neighbors would also have to agree to the re-zoning.
Mr. Andress felt that the second and third options were most lucrative. Selling Bangor North would not be considered at this time.
Mr. Kowalski suggested that the next work session agenda include approval to sell the other property. Mr. O’Hare felt the district should hold onto the Central property to see what happens in the future. Mrs. Klida wanted information on that property due to the work that the township is doing (sewers). This would make the property more attractive. Discussion also took place about the Edison property that is available.
Mr. Loop asked if the Board would agree to actively pursue the third option. Mrs. Skowronski felt this was alright. Information on zoning for options one and two were requested to be brought back to the Board. Further discussion ensued regarding the amount of property that would be left behind Bangor Central if the lots were sold and what it could be used for.
Mr. Kowalski asked Mr. Loop what he felt a realistic amount would be to set aside from the budget for the future projects. Mr. Andress stated that he liked the idea, but the problem is increasing of benefit rates. This could put the district in a very tight position. He did not feel this was practical and would discuss this with Mr. Lenar. Mr. Loop felt that if you did not provide for things in the future, you would not have funds. Mr. Kowalski felt that there would not be any major changes in the next three years in the economy. Mrs. Klida stated that the Board was just in the discussion process this evening and not making decisions.
Mr. Kowalski felt that the one-time computer millage request would be an issue that would have to be dealt with in the next five years. When the bond was done the district would definitely have to move toward a sinking fund. This would be a realistic plan.
Mr. Loop discussed item six which was specific to athletic improvements. Mr. Andress said that if the Board looked at the athletic budget, it would then be short of revenue which would then need to be replaced from the general fund. He suggested a new number eleven to establish a foundation which would create a strong revenue source that is totally unrelated to the general fund.
Mr. Kowalski felt that a plan for a sinking fund should be in place at the time the bond is done. Mr. Loop said that when, and if, it became economically feasible it could be looked at in the future.
At this time Dawn Klida left the meeting.
Mr. Balash distributed copies of project lists by building for discussion. Items listed were identified by staff members, but not necessarily in prioritized order. Mr. Loop explained that if there was money left over from the bond, the list of “other priorities” would be addressed. He reviewed how the contingency money can be used.
Mr. Thomas proposed that the Board accept this as the district’s ten-year plan and revisit this after two years.
Mr. Kowalski felt that security in the high school should be a top priority - not at this time, but maybe a year from now. Mr. Balash said that the security issue would cost approximately $15,000 to $20,000. Mr. Thomas asked if this issue should be addressed right now. Mr. Andress stated that he would like to include it in next year’s budget. He would like to tell Mr. Lenar to earmark $15,000 for this and $10,000 for a lighted sign on Wilder Road.
Mrs. Skowronski said that since the next two years are spoken for, the Board should come back at that time and review the list and go from there. Discussion took place regarding when the update meeting should be scheduled. Mr. O’Hare felt that the administrators should set the priorities for their building. The security system should be the number one priority at the high school.
Mr. Kowalski asked that more research be done on the security system. Mr. Loop gave information on the Standish Schools security system. Mr. O’Hare felt that the principal is the person who is going to have to deal with any problems that come up as a result of the security system. Mr. Kowalski said that the Board had to be realistic as a team, and that the bottom line is the district is not going to have a lot of money.
Another issue Mr. Kowalski brought up was moving the HRC to Edison. This needs to be done in the next five years. Mr. O’Hare asked for consideration of the group that is currently using that building that brings in $20,000 per year. Mr. Thomas asked why Bangor South couldn’t be used as the HRC.
Mr. Loop said that the district can see that this is the list of potential projects as outlined - two years were on paper. The update meeting would be held to discuss the projects done in the preceding year, upcoming projects for the following year, as well as emergency projects that arise.
Mr. Thomas suggested that a booklet be put together by Mr. Balash stating the existing projects to be done. Mr. Kowalski asked that both Mr. Balash and Mr. Loop put the items into a booklet form.
Mr. Kowalski felt that the Board may have to hold another special meeting before the end of the year, March or April, to review the plan for the grounds.
Mrs. Skowronski asked about the auditorium projects. Mr. Balash stated that the auditorium had been listed on a separate sheet. Mr. Thomas asked what happened to the chairs. Mrs. Skowronski informed him that money was in a separate fund. Mr. Balash stated that Mr. Phillips was intending to send a letter out asking to use the money for something else, but he will check on this.
Mrs. Skowronski applauded everyone for their work on this project. Mr. Kowalski commended John Loop and George Thomas for their work as well. Mr. Kowalski again commented that he wanted to meet with Mr. Loop in March or April to discuss a grounds plan. Mr. Loop and Mr. Balash will also put together a summary of this meeting.
Mr. O’Hare felt that the district had formalized a ten-year plan and thinks it is excellent and where the district needs to go.
other items for discussion
Mr. Thomas asked that the interim superintendent be evaluated. Forms would be in Board members packets to be turned in by the February 18 work session.
At 7:40 p.m. a motion was made by George Thomas, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to adjourn the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Dawn Klida
Secretary