JANUARY 19, 2005

The Bangor Township Board of Education held a work session on Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at Bangor Edison School. President Kowalski called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Members Present: Richard Kowalski, Dawn Klida, Barbara Skowronski, Terrence O=Hare, John Loop, Patrick Shaffer, and Scott Sturm

Members Absent: None.

communications/expressions from the public

Mrs. Janet Dine stated concerns regarding communicating information to the public. She indicated that the Board minutes had not been updated on the district’s web site since November 17, 2004. She also requested that the agendas for any future meetings be posted on the web site at least by the day of the scheduled meeting.

Mrs. Dine expressed her concern that the recent budget meetings had not been communicated to parents and members of the community.

Mrs. Dine expressed her opinion that the Board, collectively, is not backing its employees. She was concerned about approval of a retirement placed on this evening’s agenda. This person meant a lot to the Fine Arts program at John Glenn. She also hoped that the auditorium programs would be appropriately staffed. She said that the students are very upset about the staff member’s retirement.

Mr. Andress stated that he would make sure the minutes and agendas would be posted on the web site.

Mr. Kowalski disagreed with Mrs. Dine’s comment regarding the Board’s support of its staff members. He stated that there was other information that the Board was aware of regarding the staff member in question.

Mrs. Peggy Condon-Watson asked for information regarding the possible sale of Bangor South. Mr. Kowalski stated that, at this time, the Board is looking into getting the property ready for possible sale. He suggested that Mrs. Watson talk to Superintendent Andress or the Buildings and Grounds Director.

Mr. Mike Bristow, parent, stated his concern about a procedure that had been used during recent bomb threats that involved his daughter being asked by a staff member to check a restroom. He said that state and federal agencies did not condone the use of students in this capacity. He had asked for an apology to his daughter from the staff member, and this has not yet happened.

Mr. Bristow asked who was in charge of the teaching staff and the direction they are allowed to teach. He stated his concern regarding a letter-writing assignment his daughter had been given. Her letter contained a statement to the effect that she “was dead.” Mr. Bristow was concerned that the teacher did not recognize that his daughter may have been upset.

Mr. Kowalski asked that the superintendent make sure that the identified concern be addressed and copy the Board on the outcome of his findings.

Mr. Andress said that he had referred Mr. Bristow’s requested for information to the district’s attorney. The attorney who had drafted a response addressing the issues. This was then sent to Mr. Bristow by Mr. Andress

reports

Board Committees/Members:

Mrs. Skowronski reported that the Curriculum Committee had met recently with staff members from John Glenn High School who presented suggested changes and/or addition of classes at the high school. These suggestions were in the areas of Computers, English, Social Studies, Woodshop, Fine Arts.

Upgrading textbooks was discussed. Mrs. Klida and Mr. Loop agreed that the core of the district’s business was educating students. Mrs. Klida said that the books had been budgeted for and did not think that was something that should be included in the budget cuts. Mr. Kowalski also agreed about educating students, but felt that purchasing books, adding classes, along with making budget cuts was based on a number of things.

Mr. Loop said that the staff members also had two other options in mind. Mr. Shaffer thought that the Board was going to be given numbers to back up the curriculum suggestions which would be discussed at the next work session.

Mr. Andress explained the cycle for textbook replacement that has been used. He did not want to delay purchasing books if the district could possibly afford it.

Mr. O’Hare reported that the Athletic Committee had met prior to the work session. He stated that there were some problems with the MHSAA court suit and rescheduling sporting events. Mr. Ruhlig will be putting together an inclement weather procedure regarding athletic events which will be shared with the Board in a future packet.

Director of Buildings and Grounds/Construction Update: Mr. Kennedy updated the Board on the bond project work currently taking place.

Mr. Schultz asked if notices would be sent to parents of students with lung problems when the contractors begin removing ceiling tiles. He was informed that notices have been placed in the district’s Report Card in the past. Mr. Schultz asked if notices could also be placed on the doors of the buildings involved

Mr. Balash reported that installation of carpet at Bangor Central has started. He reminded the Board that the money had come from the school’s fund raising account.

Mr. Kowalski asked about the status of the boilers. Mr. Balash reported that the boilers had a ten-year warranty. Mr. Haeger stated that the life expectancy of the boilers was much higher. Mr. Loop said that he had heard conflicting comments and wanted confirmation that these systems were the good systems. Mr. Haeger reassured Mr. Loop that they were. Mr. Balash said that recent problems stemmed from software. He also demonstrated the use of a temperature probe that he has been using to verify temperatures throughout the district.

Mr. Shaffer asked if we were getting copies of certified payroll for Phase 4. Mr. Haeger informed him that the contractor has been notified about this, but has not submitted any at this time.

Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Education/Federal Programs:

Mr. Heinrich stated that he has been working with the payroll secretary regarding recent FLSA concerns. He will be discussing various situations with Mr. Allsopp. He stated that the BTESP would like to begin initial negotiations with the Personnel, Policy, and Finance Committee. Ms. Barcia will be contacting members of that committee to set up a date to meet.

At 8:20 p.m. Mr. Kowalski called a five minute recess.

The meeting reconvened at 8:27 p.m.

Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported on recent budget meetings taking place within the district. He hopes to meet with the MEA MESSA insurance representative to get information for upcoming negotiations.

He reported that Mark Miller has asked to move the strength and conditioning equipment to either the middle school or South for the summer. Mr. Andress said that he would like to have a realtor look at South again due to the recent interest shown. He also asked the Board to reconsider mothballing South while these activities take place. Cost for moving the equipment was discussed, as well as how it would be accomplished and when.

Mr. Ruhlig is looking into using Handy Intermediate or other facilities for summer athletic practices. Mr. Kowalski suggested a regular gym or health club that may give special rates. Mr. Ruhlig said he really would like to have the coaches available when the students are there. He did not feel that this type of off-site facility would be conducive.

consent agenda

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

a. Approval of Minutes: December 20, 2004 (regular meeting); January 5 and 12, 2005 (special meetings and executive sessions)

b. Personnel: Approval of Retirement: Paul Phillips – Technician Auditorium/Telephone System

Mr. Kowalski asked that a correction be made to the minutes to reflect a question regarding the pay rates for auditorium employees be addressed by Mr. Heinrich. Motion carried unanimously.

regular agenda

1. Recommendation to Waive First Reading of the Following Board Bylaws:

9100 – Organization and

School District Legal Status

9110 – Board Membership, Term of Office and Qualifications

9111 – Board Member Acceptance of Office

9112 – Board Member Resignation

9113 – Vacancies On The Board

9113.1 – Filling Unexpired Terms

9362 – Board Meetings

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by John Loop, to approve this recommendation. Mr. Andress explained that the bylaw revisions were due to recent election consolidation laws. Mrs. Klida stated that all Board members had been notified to contact her if they had any concerns. No concerns were stated. Motion carried unanimously.

2. Second Reading and Recommendation to Approve Board Bylaws # 9100, 9110, 9111, 9112, 9113, 9113.1, 9362:

A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously

other items for discussion

Mr. Kowalski asked that the following items be added to the agenda for approval.

Permission to Post Girls’ Soccer Coach Position: Mr. Ruhlig felt that it was necessary to post the girls’ soccer coach position, and would like to have this done as soon as possible in order to bring approval of a candidate to the next Board meeting.

Mr. Kowalski said that, if there were no objections from the rest of the Board, he would give general consent approval for this posting. No objections were stated.

Election Consolidation Agreement: Mrs. Klida asked that more time be given to review the document since it was just presented this evening. Mr. Kowalski asked that this be placed on the agenda for Monday’s meeting.

Itinerant Staff Discussion: Mr. Kowalski stated that, per discussions with other districts, he felt that the transfer of the itinerant staff from Bangor to the ISD should be considered again at this time. The sooner this was done the better for planning purposes. Mr. Loop stated that the Board had been reviewing this every year, and he was afraid it needed to be seriously considered. Mr. Kowalski asked to have this put on the agenda as early as possible.

ISD Off-Site Class and Televisions: Discussion took place about the distance learning class that Ms. Bonnell had taught. Mr. Kowalski requested, as Board President, that teachers be given the opportunity to use the televisions for educational purposes if they were available. Mr. Andress will check with Bay-Arenac to make sure the televisions were not theirs.

Mrs. Klida asked Mr. Ruhlig about the floor tape for volleyball. Mr. Ruhlig stated that this had been done.

Mr. Andress distributed an article from the New York Times regarding proficiency levels in other states’ schools.

Mr. Kowalski asked Mr. Andress to get clarification from Essexville Schools regarding their cuts in teaching staff and class sizes. Mr. Andress confirmed that these cuts were made and class sizes were going to be higher. He explained that one-third of the students in Essexville Schools were from Bay City which received a lower state aid allowance per pupil.

adjournment

At 8:46 p.m. a motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Skowronski, Board Secretary