FEBRUARY 23, 2005

The Bangor Township Board of Education held a work session on Wednesday, February 23, 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 OHare, Patrick Shaffer, and Scott Sturm

Members Absent: John Loop (personal business)

communications/expressions from the public

Lynne Moore, BTESP President, requested that expressions from the public be allowed during agenda item 4, Budget Recommendations. Mr. Kowalski granted this request with the consensus of the remainder of the Board.

Mr. Kowalski also stated that more discussion about budget reductions would take place at the February 28 meeting, as well as the special meeting scheduled for March 2 where some decisions would be made. He will be monitoring the surrounding districts’ decisions regarding budget items and may ask that the Board put off making final decisions until March 21.

reports

Board Committees/Members:

Mr. O’Hare reported that the Athletic Committee held a meeting earlier this evening to discuss hiring of coaches. Approval of these coaches has been placed on the agenda.

Mr. Shaffer reported that a meeting had been held with the Buildings and Grounds Committee members. He stated that Don Haeger would be speaking more specifically to topics in his presentation. Items discussed included the budget, change orders for Phase 3, alternatives for Phase 4, increases in the cost of roofing materials, and the diving board for the pool.

Mrs. Klida reported that the Personnel, Finance, and Policy Committee had held a meeting with the BTEA Living Agreement Team to begin negotiations. She will update the Board as things progress.

Director of Buildings and Grounds/Construction Update: Mr. Haeger distributed copies and reviewed an updated budget for bond issues in Phases 3 and 4.

Mrs. Klida asked why the earned interest was so far off. Mr. Haeger explained how accountants anticipate earned interest. Mr. Lenar stated that an anticipated earned interest rate was used and these rates were not as high as projected.

Mr. Haeger then distributed copies of Change Order #9 and explained final adjustments to contracts. He also distributed copies of alternatives for Phase 4 at John Glenn and Bangor Lincoln, as well as copies of plans for the pool. He explained problems regarding the diving board and various options. He also reviewed options regarding the auditorium rigging and related costs with discussion following.

A motion was made by Patrick Shaffer, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve Change Order #9 for $23,165.14. Motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve alternatives for Phase 4 in the amount of $27,318 as noted on the handout. Motion carried unanimously.

Director of Recreation: Jamie Stanton updated the Board on Recreation programs that included dance, wrestling, swim, basketball, and various other clinics.

Mr. Kowalski inquired about the number of teachers and support staff members who had been trained in CPR and AED. Ms. Stanton gave an update on the number of people who have been certified. Mr. Kowalski asked Mr. Andress to meet with Shawn Bishop to make sure that a fair amount of staff members in all of the buildings are trained. He also suggested advertising the training for community members.

Financial Consultant: Mr. Lenar distributed copies of a general fund budget update and reviewed the information.

Assistant Superintendent/Director of Special Education/Federal Programs:

Mr. Heinrich’s report included information about a conference he had attended last week with the payroll secretary regarding fair labor standards. From information gathered at this conference he thought that nonexempt employees could not be used as coaches. He also reported that local schools would monitor themselves under the new 2005 IDEA plan.

Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported that the BTEA had asked for numbers regarding staffing changes. He suggested that this be placed on the regular meeting agenda for discussion. Other items in his report included Kindergarten registration and recognition for the One Act Team who had placed number one in the state overall. Mr. Kowalski asked that Mrs. Gilbert and the One Act Team be placed on Monday’s agenda for recognition.

Mr. Shaffer asked what advertising had been done for Kindergarten registration other than the newspaper. Mr. Andress did not think any other advertising had been done.

At this time Mr. Kowalski requested a ten minute recess with the meeting to resume at 8:15 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m.

presentation of 2005/06 budget recommendations

Mr. Andress distributed copies of three levels of cuts being presented to the Board at this time. He reviewed all three levels and stated that he was recommending Level 1 to the Board at this time.

Members of the BTESP stated concerns that included custodial services and why there were no administrative cuts. Mr. Andress stated that central office had already had three administrators cut over the past few years. Other issues discussed included benefits for administrators which Mr. Andress said would be negotiated with the new administrators’ contract.

Mrs. Klida stated that this proposal had come from Mr. Andress and what the Board ended up with could look entirely different. She stated her concerns about the cuts, and that the document presented is different than a previous copy that had been provided. The Board needed to digest this information and, perhaps, talk with some staff members. She asked that staff members get their comments to Mr. Andress and/or Board members. The final product may include some of these items or other items.

Mr. Kowalski stated that the superintendent had done what he was told to do. He gathered the information and brought it to the Board. He said that discussion will start taking place on Monday with the possibility that some action may take place on March 2. He said that the Board would like to wait until March 21 to make final decisions.

Mrs. Moore reiterated that the Board had set goals in August to maintain and improve facilities, as well as marketing the district. She asked what had been done in the area of marketing. Mr. Andress reported that placemats had been printed and were in area restaurants, as well as Schools of Choice newspaper inserts and mailing letters to parents. He will be looking into ads at the theaters and television promotions.

Laura Schwerin, High School Attendance Secretary, said that she was informed this morning that her position was to be cut. She was at the meeting to state her concern and asked what she needed to do to keep her position. Mr. Kowalski suggested that she write a letter to each Board member informing them of her job responsibilities.

consent agenda

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

a. Approval of Minutes: January 27, 2005 (special meeting)

b. Approval of Personnel: Spring Coaches: Fran MacMillan – Girls’ Soccer; Shawn Maison – Boys’ Assistant Track; Sara Stillwell – CMMS Volleyball

Motion carried unanimously.

regular agenda

Recommendation to Approve Information Management Services Agreement with Bay-Arenac: A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve this recommendation. Motion carried unanimously.

First Reading of New Board Policy #5111.2 – Education of Homeless Students: Mr. Andress explained that this policy was a requirement of NCLB legislation and had been drafted by Mr. Allsopp. A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve this first reading. Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Approve Sale of Bangor Township School #1: Mr. Andress reviewed the purchase agreement and price of $30,000 that had been offered. A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve the sale at the price listed as long as there was no additional expense back to the school district other than the realtor fee. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kowalski also asked that the revenue from the sale be put into a special account to be used for specific building projects, i.e., purchase of additional land. There was no objection from other Board members to this request.

Other items for discussion

Discussion Regarding Donkey Basketball Fund Raiser: Aaron Jurek, class sponsor was present to review the specifics for this fund raiser.

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Scott Sturm, to approve the fund raiser. Mr. Shaffer asked for input from the Director of Buildings and Grounds. Mr. Balash stated his concerns due to the floating gym floor and increased point pressure on the floor, as well as waste materials from the donkeys and whether insurance would cover various items.

A member of the audience also stated health concerns with students cleaning up donkey droppings. Mr. Jurek then suggested using the middle school gym. Mr. Kowalski felt that the middle school gym would be preferred. Mrs. Klida suggested that Mr. Balash and Mr. Jurek discuss this issue and bring back more information to Monday’s meeting.

The motion was then amended by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Scott Sturm, to table the discussion until Monday. Mr. O’Hare felt that this item should not have come to the Board. He supported the concept and felt the Board should back it. Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kowalski asked that Mr. Andress meet with the potential new candidates running for the board.

At 9:08 p.m. a motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, Barbara Skowronski, Secretary