Members Present:

Richard Kowalski, President; Dawn Klida, Vice-President; Terrence O’Hare, Treasurer; Barbara Skowronski, Secretary; John Loop, Trustee; Patrick Shaffer, Trustee; Scott Sturm, Trustee

Members Absent:

None.

expressions/communi-

cations from the public

Letters were read by Kathy Rezmer and Danielle Socier concerning budget reductions.

Deb Scherzer asked if the reductions in the custodial area could still be discussed.  Mr. Andress stated that he would still accept input from staff members.

staff/student recognition – john glenn bowling teams

bangor north staff presentation

reports

consent agenda

regular agenda

discussion and recommendations for budget reductions

Mr. Andress presented representatives from the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams with certificates of achievement.

Danielle Socier gave a presentation on Bangor North activities.

Board Committees/Members:  None.

Director of Athletics:  Mr. Ruhlig reported on various activities that included the accomplishments of the boys’ and girls’ bowling teams, the state swimming tournament, wrestling, and spring sports.

Director of Recreation:  Ms. Stanton updated the Board on activities that included wrestling, swimming, and dance which are coming to an end.  An update on Tae Kwon Do, baseball, and CPR classes was also given.

Mrs. Klida asked where the district stood regarding CPR certification.  Ms. Stanton stated that there were five assistant spring coaches that were not certified.  Three were supposed to be taking classes this evening. 

Mrs. Klida assumed that coaches knew the district policy regarding certification before coaching.  Mr. Ruhlig said that they knew the policy and that the Red Cross would be doing a training session.  Mrs. Klida asked if they were aware of the Board policy, and asked if they were coaching.  Mr. Ruhlig said that not all of the coaches were working yet, but they were aware of the policy.

Superintendent:  Mr. Andress reviewed the information for the ISD Board candidate position. 

Administrators:  None.

A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows:

Approval of Monthly Expenditures:

  Grand Total All Funds:  $1,083,862.56

  (Payroll portion equals:  $514,058.66)

Recommendation for Teacher Non-Renewal

Motion carried unanimously.

Discussion Regarding Budget Reductions

Mr. Andress distributed copies of an updated reduction scenario as approved by the Board at previous meetings. 

Mr. Andress stated that he and Mr. Heinrich felt that 10% could be cut from the Transportation budget.  If everything on Scenario #1 was approved, as well as the Athletic Director and the high school secretary positions, the total reduction would be $1,096,000.  Stipends for the assistant principals at both middle and high schools would need to be added, as well as game manager salaries.  Mr. Andress then reviewed Scenarios 2 and 3.

Mr. Kowalski asked if this information had been shared with the association presidents.  Mr. Andress said that he has regular meetings with Mr. Trzeciak.  Two positions were not union positions and the cuts in transportation could be negotiated.  Mr. Loop asked what the 10% in cuts included.  Mr. Heinrich said that there was the possibility for a second bus run.  The one-half mechanic could become part of the transportation cut.  The additional revenue would come from the bargaining process.  Mr. Kowalski did not think this was cutting transportation by ten percent.  Mr. Loop asked what the impact would be if another run was eliminated.  Mr. Heinrich reviewed the possibilities.

Mrs. Klida had concerns about this recommendation if there had been no discussion with the drivers or unions.  She asked how it could be viable.  Mr. Heinrich said that all of the cuts had been based on input from the drivers.  Mr. Kowalski asked if they were aware of the cuts.  Mr. Heinrich said that he had worked primarily with the dispatcher.  Other drivers had come forward and volunteered information.  These are the people who know how things work.

Mr. Andress said that they were hedging some answers because they are in the process of negotiating with this union.  Mr. Kowalski asked why this was being offered now and not before.  One Board member may have posed a question, but it was not a request from the Board.

Mr. Sturm asked where the information on the sheet had come from.  Mr. Andress informed him that the information had come from the March 16, 2005, budget reduction meeting.

Mr. Kowalski stated that he would like to revisit the decision that had been made at the last meeting regarding the librarian.  Mr. Andress reviewed the information regarding the librarian for NCA.  If the librarian bumped into another position, the district may be able to use part of her time toward the needed accreditation FTE’s.  If not, the district would be in violation for one year.

Mr. O’Hare requested that each item be discussed individually.  With no objection from the rest of the Board, Mr. Kowalski said that this would be done.

High School Secretary Position:  Mr. Andress reviewed the options available if this position was to be eliminated. 

Mr. Kowalski said that it bothered him that at the last budget cutting session the Board had heard information from the Family Services Coordinators regarding that position elimination.  He told Mr. Andress that, if Mr. Andress had the opportunity, he would like to see the number of students serviced at all elementaries and the middle school, as well as the daily, weekly, and monthly numbers.  Mr. Andress reported that the four principals had been working on that information.  He also said that elimination of library aides would endanger NCA.

Athletic Director Position:  Mr. Andress said that this position would have the least affect on classroom instruction.  The Athletic Trainer position also needed to be looked at since the Board had eliminated the COPS officers.  None of these positions had anything to do with instruction even though they are highly important people.  He felt that a lot of the recommendations that he had received from personnel had been personal.

Ms. Stanton said that this was the first she had heard about elimination of the Athletic Trainer position.  She expected that she would at least get a phone call to inform her that this was going to be discussed, especially since she has been in the district for ten years.  If anything comes out of this, she would hope that the Board would look at the process. 

Mr. Andress asked Ms. Stanton if she was telling them that she had no idea that her job was going to be discussed.  Ms. Stanton stated that she did not say that.  Mr. Andress was asked by Mr. Kowalski if he had contacted the sheriff regarding the COPS officers and the association presidents about various other cuts.  Mr. Andress stated that he had not called them and informed them what was going on, but the information had been put in the Board packets.  Mr. Kowalski said that, obviously, we are not doing very well in communication. 

Mrs. Klida said that she would not support elimination of the Trainer position.  Ms. Stanton acted as a Trainer not just for the football team.  This position truly impacts the safety of the students.  Ms. Stanton had gotten grant money for the district for the CPR and AED equipment.  Mr. Klida’s dream had been to get as many people trained on the AED equipment, and Ms. Stanton helped this dream become a reality.

Mr. O’Hare said that, in fairness to Mr. Andress, the Board was talking about the Athletic Director and high school secretary positions.  He recommended that the Board stick to the original agenda.

Mr. Kowalski said that he has been on the Board for nineteen years and had been a part of the early beginnings of getting the Athletic Trainer.  This position is a value to the students and it would be feasible to look at it, but he did not want to look at taking this service away. He also would not support this cut.  He knew that there were a lot of other areas in the district that could be looked at.

Mr. Loop said that, unfortunately, the Board may get to the point where he would be forced into making a move on that position.  He did not feel they were there yet.  He said that if this equipment had been here twenty years ago there would have been a possibility that a person could have survived.  This person died in his arms that night.  In terms of the Athletic Trainer, he did not feel this was the time.  There were other things that needed to go before that.

Mrs. Skowronski asked if this position could be withdrawn from the scenario.  Mr. Andress said that it could be.   Mr. O’Hare asked then if no action was going to be taken on the Athletic Trainer position.  Mr. Andress said that other districts have taken action to keep their Trainer.  He knew how important Jamie’s job was and had great respect for her as a Trainer and person.  He just felt that it had to be included.  It was the consensus of the Board that no action be taken on this position. 

Mrs. Klida felt that the Athletic Director position should be a part-time position.   Mr. Andress said that the problem with a part-time AD is that they are still trying to maintain a Class A Athletic program in a Class B high school.  They are talking about cutting back on the Athletic Director, but not about cutting anything the district offers.  Are they saying that this man only works one-half of the time?  If all freshmen sports were cut, then maybe they could say he didn’t need to work full time.  If all of the programs are kept, then how do they cut back.

Mr. Kowalski said that Pinconning and Essexville, whose size is similar to Bangor’s, have an Athletic Director/Assistant Principal who is paid $85,000 per year.  He referred to Mr. Lenar’s wording of “keeping the main thing the main thing.”  Mr. Kowalski said that the Board did not need to decide this, but that Mr. Heinrich and Mr. Andress, as well as the principals, needed to decide.  Savings could amount to $200,000 over four years.

Mr. Kowalski said that he would like to see the district make improvements in MEAP scores.  They needed to save money however they can. They should look at trying to make some money.  The district should take the savings and spend some money to get the scores up.

Mr. Andress stated that if this position went to one-half time, they could hire a retired person to do the job which would be a savings.

Mr. Kowalski said that, as the spokesperson for the Board, they would make the decisions tonight.  This item will be brought back later.  If the Board chose not to make a decision, that would be up to them. 

Transportation:  Mr. Andress stated that two runs could be cut for a total savings of $52,000.  He then reviewed scenarios to cover this reduction.  Mr. Kowalski encouraged the Board to make a motion to reduce one bus run.

Mrs. Klida wanted to know about the time frames.  Mr. Heinrich reviewed the time frames that had been discussed with the drivers and dispatcher.  This involved ten minutes.  He also explained that fewer pick ups could be made.  Mrs. Klida wanted to know if students would be waiting longer or walking further.  This was confirmed by Mr. Heinrich.  Mrs. Klida was also concerned about students standing and walking in the dark.  Mr. Heinrich said that Kindergarten pick up would continue to be door-to-door.

Mr. Sturm made a motion that the Board require the Transportation budget to be cut by 10% with this being revisited three or four months from now.  Mr. O’Hare supported this motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Kowalski asked that the rest of the agenda be taken care of and then return to the budget reductions.

Recommendation to Approve School Trip:  CMMS to Cedar Point –

May 22, 2005:  Mrs. Bibbee reviewed criteria for the trip.  Mr. O’Hare asked if the trip would cost the district any money.  Mrs. Bibbee reported that it would not cost the district money. 

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation to Approve Teacher Tenure for:  Sheri Turner and Beth Buchanan – CMMS Teachers; Jon Mrozinski – Bangor West Elementary Teacher; Sheri Grocholski – Bangor Lincoln Elementary Teacher; Deb Faaccio and Katheryn Kosekci – John Glenn High School Teachers:  A motion was made by Dawn Klida, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this recommendation.  Motion carried unanimously.

Recommendation Regarding Renewal of Sports Medicine Agreement with Bay Regional Medical Center:  Mr. Andress informed the Board that he had talked to the supervisor at Bay Regional Medical Center who had agreed to roll back the 3.5% increase in salary for the trainer.  Bay Regional would pay for this.  He also stated that they are requiring an advertising announcement for Bay Regional to take place.

A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Dawn Klida, to approve this renewal. 

Mr. Sturm questioned the announcement.  Mr. Andress stated that this was new in the agreement this year, and that some other districts were already doing this.  Mr. Shaffer stated that he was a bit annoyed about that requirement.  He asked if the district had to sign the contract with that inclusion.  Mr. Kowalski said that he understood what Mr. Shaffer was saying, but that was one of Bay Regional’s opportunities to promote their services.

Mrs. Skowronski asked if this was for all games.  Mr. Andress informed her that it was for all events.

Motion carried unanimously.

Mrs. Skowronski asked to address the Board regarding the .5 mechanic’s position.  She said she was not aware that the mechanics worked on a total of 41 buses, as well as seven trucks and five big tractors.   She had been informed that at one time that position was mechanic/utility.  When the new job descriptions were written and they wanted to plow snow in the HRC lot, they were told it was not their job.  She felt the Board should go back and look at what encompassed their jobs. 

Mr. Loop said that, from what he has been told, Essexville is currently contracting with us.  They will be contracting with Bay City for busing next year so Bangor will not be doing that maintenance. 

Mrs. Skowronski said that they still should be given the opportunity to do utility work.  The Essexville buses will still have regular maintenance.

Mr. O’Hare felt the Board should stay where they are right now.  He asked Mr. Heinrich and Mr. Andress how much revenue had been generated from the outsourced maintenance. They will get this information for Friday’s packet.  Mr. O’Hare felt they should stay level at this point with the possibility of re-addressing the issue later if necessary.

Transportation Cuts:

Mr. Kowalski asked how the 10% would be cut from transportation.  Mr. Andress stated that two bus runs would be cut, as well as other budget reductions.  Mr. Shaffer asked if the second run was in addition to the first run that had already been cut.  Mr. Heinrich said this would be inclusive. Mr. Shaffer asked if this would produce a balanced budget.  Mr. Andress said that if the Board stopped at this point, the reductions would total $975,000.

Mr. Kowalski asked what the very, very least amount would be to cut next year.  Mr. Andress said that another $900,000 would need to be cut next year. 

Mr. O’Hare stated that the Board wanted to get to the $2.0 million figure.  That is what they really wanted.  They picked the $900,000 number as a place to shoot for.  They are close enough now and it is time to stop.

Mrs. Klida said that they have been asked to take a hit in every area but administration.  She asked where that was.  Mr. O’Hare to keep in mind that two administrative positions have been combined – Transportation Director and Director of special Education.  The district also had a part-time Financial Consultant.

Mrs. Klida said she had a different opinion on that.  She did not disagree, but said that the district had picked up an administrative position which was the Technology Director.  That position was not there before.  Mr. Heinrich was made the Assistant Superintendent.  When asking everybody else to take a hit, she did not see this with administration.

Mr. Kowalski asked what the budget of the Athletic Department was.  Mr. Andress informed him that it was $400,000.  Mr. Kowalski said that the Transportation Department paid Mr. Heinrich a stipend for that portion of his job.    Mr. O’Hare said that the Athletic budget had been reduced by $40,000.  Mr. Kowalski was comparing the Transportation and Athletic budgets and felt they did not match.

Mr. Shaffer felt they were comparing apples to oranges.  He asked if Mr. Heinrich utilized a day-to-day person in the Transportation Department.  Mr. Heinrich confirmed this as the position of Dispatcher.  Mr. Shaffer said that there was somebody who took care of the day-to-day job then, and it was not just one person.

It was the consensus of the Board not to make a decision at this time.

Mr. Shaffer said that this was just the tip of the iceburg.  The Board would be back one year from now making the same kinds of cuts.  No matter what, the Board would be back next year doing the same thing.  Mr. Loop said that the same items would be back at the top of the list.   Mr. Kowalski said that the Board had the opportunity at this point to save money or they could choose to spend it and cut again next year.

Mr. Loop said that, quite honestly, they had a problem with personality conflict here.

It was the consensus of the Board that no decisions be made on either the Athletic Director of high school secretary positions. 

adjournment

At 8:45 p.m. a motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to adjourn the meeting.