MINUTES OF THE October 20, 2004 Work Session of the Bangor Township Board of Education

BANGOR TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION

MINUTES OF THE

OCTOBER 20, 2004

WORK SESSION

Members Present: Richard Kowalski, Barbara Skowronski, Terrence O’Hare, John Loop, Patrick Shaffer

Members Absent: Dawn Klida (medical absence), Scott Sturm (personal absence)

President Kowalski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

reports

Board Committees/Members:

Mrs. Skowronski reported that the Curriculum Committee had met earlier this week. Some of the items discussed included math and social studies curriculum possibly being reviewed by the ISD, GLCE’s (grade level content expectations), and new CD curriculum guides being distributed to new teachers.

Mr. Loop reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had held a meeting on October 7. A proposal by Mr. Matuszewski regarding items he would like to have done at Bangor West was reviewed. Mrs. Tuttle was also requesting that consideration be given to replace carpeting at her building using the internal fund.

Mr. O’Hare reviewed an Athletic Committee meeting that was held on October 12. Items discussed included the middle school athletic director position and possibilities for filling the opening. He reported that Mr. Ruhlig, Mr. Leiner, and Mr. Andress would be meeting to come up with a plan. There may be shared duties between the high school and middle school administrators. Other items included a Hall of Fame induction at the high school, lettered seniors banquet, fence and wall space for advertising purposes, and athletic passes.

Mr. Kowalski reported that a Food Service Committee meeting had been held recently with the Coca Cola contract being discussed. Mr. Andress will be following up on this and will also be looking at a shared contract between Pepsi and Coke.

Financial Consultant: Mr. Lenar updated the Board on budget numbers and enrollment. He had heard that the state may prorate the school aid by $50 per student. Mr. Lenar will give a budget update on the general fund at November’s meeting, as well as information to notify the township about summer tax collection.

Director of Buildings and Grounds: Mr. Hager distributed copies of a budget summary sheet for the bond projects. The pool project was discussed. Mr. Hager reported that if the district could spent an additional $100,000 to $150,000 the pool could be completely replaced. He will know more after the John Glenn and Lincoln projects are completed.

Mrs. Skowronski asked about the life of a new pool. Mr. Hager felt that it would be about the same time frame as the existing pool.

Mr. Kowalski requested that Mr. Balash go back and see how much had been spent on the pool in the past. Mr. Balash will bring this back to the Board in the future.

Mr. Hager made some very positive comments about Mr. Phillips regarding his helpfulness and knowledge regarding the performing arts and their needs.

Mr. Balash reported that he had received notification from the Michigan Department of Wage and Hour Compliance regarding non-payment of prevailing wages. He and Mr. Kennedy did sit down with the electrician’s contractor about this. It was concluded that there was not a problem, but Mr. Balash is obtaining information requested and will submit it to the Department of Wage and Hour Compliance. He will have Mr. Allsopp review the information prior to submitting it. Mr. Balash also reported that interviews had taken place for a 10-hour custodial position. He will be bringing a recommendation to hire to the Board for approval at Monday’s meeting.

Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Education/Federal Programs:

Mr. Heinrich said that he would bring an update plan for parent involvement to the Board in November. Other items he reviewed included work on the consolidation grant, as well as federal grants, after-school programs that are starting, new copiers in the district, and staff training on the new machines.

Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported that he had talked with Mrs. Klida. She thanked everyone for the cards and flowers and was anxious to return home.

Mr. Andress also reviewed an unsigned letter that he had received stressing that the administrators secure the school buildings on election day. He also said that a Bangor resident had expressed his concern about students taking field trips to Tobico Marsh due to run-off from the Hartley landfill. The resident asked that the district establish a policy not allowing student groups to visit the location. Mr. Andress felt that the amount of exposure is minimal, but did agree that he would pass this information on to the Board members.

Mr. Kowalski said that a decision on this should be made by Mr. Andress and brought to the Board if it is necessary. Mr. Andress said that he did not feel a recommendation is needed at this time. He just wanted to provide the information to Board members. Mr. Loop suggested that a report be gotten from the state regarding the state park. Mr. Andress said that he would get this.

Superintendent Andress reviewed changes in federal law pertaining to biological, chemical, and nuclear threats. He also distributed copies of the district’s Crisis Plan that had been revised regarding these threats. He asked that the minutes reflect that the Board members had received this information.

A review of FTE information was given by Mr. Andress depicting the number of Schools of Choice students in the district since 2001.

Mr. Andress also presented a portfolio for his goals. The portfolio will be updated as goal items are addressed and inserted into the notebook. He will bring the portfolio to the Board meetings for anyone to review if interested.

action items

Recommendation to Approve Resolution Setting Tentative Board Election Date: A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to set the tentative Board election date for May, both even and odd years, in order to maintain the continuity of the election for the people in the district.

A roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Barbara Skowronski, Richard Kowalski, Terrence O’Hare, Patrick Shaffer, John Loop. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Recommendation to Approve Recreation Director Contract: Mr. Andress reviewed the contract days and salary for this position.

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by John Loop, to approve the contract.

Mrs. Skowronski questioned the amount of compensation compared to the middle school athletic director position. She asked why the district was not willing to pay the middle school athletic director the same amount. Mr. Andress stated that the middle school is dependent upon the high school athletic director for various functions. The recreation position is also funded by the township. Mr. Loop said that the recreation position also runs through the summer.

Mr. O’Hare agreed with what was said, but stated that the Athletic Committee was considering abolishing the middle school athletic director position. Middle school administrators will need to take responsibility for their athletic programs with the help of game managers.

Motion carried unanimously.

At 8:10 p.m. a motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to adjourn the meeting.