School Board Meeting, December 9, 2003
Posted on Thursday, February 12 @ 22:02:57 EST by Admin |
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Important content:
The board listened to many parents and residents giving a wide variety of ideas about how the school should adapt to the funding crisis.
The board then went into executive session. After most of the public had left the board gave a 4% raise to David Kinsley, treasurer.
MINUTES OF THE GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting December 9, 2003
The Grandview Heights City School Board met in regular session pursuant to the rules section 3313.15 of the Ohio Revised Code in the John Glenn
Community Center with President Suzanne McLeod in the Chair. Addendum itemsto these minutes are contained herein and are a part of these minutes. The agenda prepared for this meeting immediately follows these minutes. The Board of Education endeavors to prepare audio tape recordings of its regular meetings. The tape recording of this meeting is on file at the Office of the Board of Education.
Call to Order (I): President McLeod called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Roll Call (II): The following persons were present:Members Present: Suzanne McLeod, PresidentKathy Lithgow, Vice PresidentRon Cameron, MemberGary Heydinger, MemberAnita Keller, Member (5)
Others Present: D. Steven Allen, Superintendent of Schools Jane Adkins, Parent/Teacher Assistant Amy Albon, Parent Andrea Amurgis, Parent William Amurgis, Parent Connie Anderson, Parent Steve Andersson, High School Principal Bob Baeslack, Middle School Principal Jimmie Bell, Custodian Craig Berlin, Parent Curt Berlin, Parent Greg Berning, Parent Mindy Blackwell, Parent/Teacher Assistant Eric Bode, Parent Stephanie Brett, Parent Laura Carter, Parent Cathryn Chellis, District Technology Coordinator Teresa Clayton Parent Sue Coffman, High School Teacher Elizabeth Delphia, ESL Teacher Janet DeRoberts, Parent John Dillion, Visitor Andy DiSabato, High School Teacher Jean Dodson, Parent Grant Douglass, Parent Lee Ekleberry, High School Teacher Liz Elder, Athletic Office Secretary Stephanie Evans, Parent Susan Falk, Parent/Stevenson Teacher Rick Garrison, Middle School Teacher David Gleason, Parent Kathy Grinstead, Parent/Teacher Assistant Jim Gusty, Visitor Carol Hamilton, Food Service Director Joe Hecker, Parent/High School Teacher Steve Hedge, High School Teacher Melissa Huggins, Parent/Food Service Employee Anita Kentide, Visitor Christopher King, Parent Kathy Kinnard, Parent/Athletic Director Rick Linville, Parent David Mancini, Assistant Principal Lori McCollough, Parent Jane Miller, Parent Jeff Lamb, Director of District Services/Facilities Becky McEwe, Visitor Denise Meyer, Visitor Meg Monnett, Parent Becky Mornament, Visitor Cindy Peck, Parent Robin Pickering, Parent Phyllis Polas, Parent Marcie Ramey, Parent Jenny Reed, Parent/Stevenson Teacher Mike Riggs, Parent Billie Sarich, Stevenson Teacher Kim Sides, Parent Jeff Smith, Parent Lori Smith, Parent Melissa Snider, Parent John Stock, Visitor Diane Turner, Child Care Director Mark Woodhouse, Parent Karen Umbarger, Parent Susan Weber, Stevenson Teacher Patty Weiland, Stevenson Teacher Meg Wernet, Parent Tom York, Parent Alan Froman, Grandview This Week Court Squires, Suburban News Publication David Knisley, Treasurer
Pledge of Allegiance and Silent Meditation (III): President McLeod led the pledge of Allegiance and silent meditation.
Student Presentation (IV):
A. Elementary Singers – Jim Shaw, director: Mr. Shaw described visitations during the month of December. The students performed a variety of songs at this time. Mr. Allen introduced Mr. Shaw as the 2003-04 teacher of the year at the conclusion of the performance. He read portions of Mr. Shaw’s nomination letters. Mr. Shaw briefly addressed the Board and visitors at this time.
Minutes (V): President McLeod asked if there were any corrections, additions, or deletions to the minutes of the previous meetings. There were none.
MOTION 03-154: Mrs. Keller moved to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2003 regular meeting, and the November 25, 2003 special meeting as presented by the treasurer. Dr. Heydinger seconded the motion.
On roll call, the members voted as follows: Keller, yes, Lithgow, yes McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
Recognition of Academic Achievement and Outstanding Contributions (VI-A):
1. United Way donations from Grandview Heights City School staff members totaled $2.148.30: Mr. Allen reported on the staff contributions to United Way.
2. Melissa Snider, as volunteer in the technology department: Ms. Chellis thanked Melissa Snider for her assistance with a variety of technology tasks.
3. Jim Shaw, 2003-2004 Teacher of the Year: See item IV above for Mr. Shaw’s recognition.
Recognition of Guests and Hearing of the Public (VI-B): President McLeod asked if anyone wished to address the Board at this time. There was no one.
Treasurer's Report (VIII-A): Mr. Knisley reviewed financial information with the Board at this time.
MOTION 03-155: Mr. Cameron moved to approve the following:
1. November financial reports as they are contained as addendum items to these minutes.
2. Payment of November bills. (Motion 03-004 authorized the payment of all bills as they are due).
3. Investments for the month of November, 2003. (Motion 03-004 authorized the investment of district funds).
4. Appropriation modifications effective November 30, 2003, as they appear on the addendum item to these minutes. Ms. Lithgow seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes. 5 yes.
The president declared the motion carried.
Board Reports (VIII-B):
G. Heydinger – Legislative Liaison: Dr. Heydinger presented a written report regarding a recent school finance seminar he attended.
(See agenda addendum item).
Anita Keller, Student Achievement Liaison: Mrs. Keller provided a resource kit #7 regarding student achievement to members of the Board.
Child Care Report (VIII-C): See addendum items to the agenda.
Building and Grounds Report (VIII-D): Mr. Lamb reported that concrete work has been completed at the high school. The Cingular cell tower installation continues. Mr. Lamb fielded questions from the Board.
Food Service Report (VIII-E): See addendum items to the agenda.
Technology Report (VIII-F): Ms. Chellis highlighted her written report as it is contained as an agenda addendum item.
Superintendent's Report (VIII-G):
1. Financial Status: Mr. Allen described his recent discussions with various groups regarding the District’s financial situation. He reviewed his three proposals to balance the School District budget through June 30, 2006. He also described the staffing analysis prepared by The Ohio Department of Education Area O Coordinator, Don Urban. According to that information, Grandview Heights has the smallest pupil teacher ratio of all the seven comparable school districts in the analysis. After making staff reductions as suggested by the superintendent, the Grandview Heights School District would still be second to the lowest pupil teacher ratio. The Edison annex building would be used as a fine arts building instead of kindergarten.
Mr. Allen fielded questions from members of the Board at this time. He described curriculum-related needs for maintaining the current administrative structure. Mr. Allen highlighted that this document is a draft and is subject to modifications.
President McLeod said that the Board of Education will be meeting in special session on December 13 and 20 at 8:30 a.m. in the Board of Education conference room to finalize thoughts regarding the proposed reorganization of the District. Mr. Allen described that this is a structural downsizing of the District due to declining enrollment and the loss of Big Bear and other personal property tax revenues. Mr. Allen recommended that the Board prepare its final reorganization draft on December 20, publicize it in January, and have a final vote of approval in February.
Dr. Heydinger noted that the Board has essentially determined not to return to the voters for additional mills so long as restructuring can occur in a positive fashion. Mrs. Keller said she believes the District should restructure without returning to voters early. Ms. Lithgow said that constituents will have the opportunity to digest the information and contact Board members, if they desire, during the next few days. She said much discussion is in order among Board members on Saturday.
President McLeod reviewed rules for public participation and opened the discussion to the floor.
Rick Linville said he is not now opposed to the Board considering any additional retirement incentives.
Craig Berlin questioned curricular alignment, regular vs. special education students, child care budget information, etc. and that he will be sending email to pertinent staff members. He questioned if other non-teaching staff positions had been considered for reductions.
Jim Gusty noted that Grandview Heights is still the smallest of the comparable districts in the ODE staffing analysis. He considered that the small size justifies fewer administrators. He suggested reducing the number of administrators.
Denise Meyer said most of the reductions suggested are in the elementary grades. She would like to see class sizes by grade levels. She asked if reorganization was considered with split classes and maintaining all elementary grade levels at both elementary schools. Mr. Allen said that that was considered.
Andrea Amurgis said many parents walk their elementary students to school. Therefore, it would be difficult to move all elementary grade levels to Stevenson. She asked of costs to conduct the physical move had been analyzed. She said that three people handle payroll. She questioned the benefits of having an elementary guidance counselor. Mr. Allen described the need for the elementary guidance.
Meg Monnett said she purchased a house across the street from Edison so her elementary children could walk. She also questioned the logistical segregation of students at the Edison elementary and middle school. Mr. Allen described the structure.
Connie Anderson questioned staggered start times. She noted problems of having multiple music classes at one time in a fine arts building. She questioned the value of cutting the equivalent of five teacher assistants. She said the amount of time with students spent by elementary teachers is greater at the middle school. She suggested re-figuring pupil/teacher ratios including special education students.
Chris King said he supports the District’s restructuring. He said that 26 to 27 students in a class at the third grade class is pushing the limit.
Eric Bode said he is impressed with the process and the participants. He said the ratio of second and third grade classes is pushing the limit. He said research indicates the importance of small class sizes at the elementary level. He asked if it had been considered to have all students attend this campus exclusive of Stevenson Elementary School. Mr. Allen said it had been considered.
Anita Kentide asked if there is a cycle of enrollment. She also asked about how the District’s Child care program affects the educational issues. Mr. Allen said the child care program is not a driving force in any way regarding educational organization.
He also noted that 12 to 15 years is typical of Grandview’s enrollment cycle. Therefore, the District may now be at the lowest point of the cycle.
Becky Mornament asked if the Rockbridge and zoo programs have been considered for cuts since they could affect fewer students. She also asked about farming out some of the services of classified employees. She said the teacher assistants positions are important. She suggested assigning curriculum work to teachers. She does not want her 4 th grader near 8 th graders.
William Amurgis said he walks his children to school. He encouraged the Board to consider closing Stevenson Elementary School and selling the property for development purposes.
Robin Pickering said that the Board should consider closing the annex building to save operating costs. She encouraged pay to participate fees.
Becky McEwe asked about tuition for all-day kindergarten. She also suggested that tuition students could create excessive class sizes. President McLeod reviewed the tuition student guidelines.
Denise Meyer said she is willing to pay to keep the services of teacher assistants.
Craig Berlin questioned various extracurricular positions and this small value vs. teacher assistants. He encouraged not selling Stevenson because of the District’s inevitable growth. He questioned having so many special education classes. He suggested having a lottery to keep certain elementary classes at Edison Elementary School. He encouraged the Board to buckle down during the next round of negotiations.
Jim Gusty said about 600 students attended in these facilities in the 1960’s and suggested that all current students should fit. He suggested hiring a half-time curriculum director instead of a full-time principal.
Rick Linville said fourth and eighth grade students should not be in the same place. He said he supports students ability to walk to school.
Executive Session (VII): The Board considered entering into executive session at this time.
MOTION 03-156: Mrs. Keller moved to enter into executive session for the purpose of considering the employment of three public school employees.
Mr. Cameron seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried and the board entered into executive session at 9:49 p.m.
At this time, Members of the Board, the superintendent and treasurer met in executive session in the middle school principal’s conference room. Members of the Board concluded the evaluation of the treasurer.
The superintendent discussed the termination of one classified employee. Carol Hamilton provided information to members of the Board during this portion of the meeting.
The superintendent discussed the possible termination of another classified employee. Mrs. Hamilton participated this the discussion.
The Board resumed regular session at 10:26 p.m.
Recommendations for action from the Board of Education (IX-A):
MOTION 03-157: Ms. Lithgow moved to approve the following item of action from the Board of Education.
1. Evaluation and Salary: Approve the yearly evaluation of David Kinsley, treasurer, as presented and annual salary at $82,290, effective January 1, 2004.
Mrs. Keller seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes. 5 yes.
The president declared the motion carried.
Recommendations from Superintendent for Action by the Board (X): Curriculum and Instruction (X-A): There were no items of curriculum and instruction to discuss at this time.
Board Policy and Procedure (X-B): There were no items of board policy and procedure to be discussed at this time.
Business & Finance (X-C): The superintendent recommended the approval of four items of business and finance at this time. All were approved in the motions to follow.
MOTION 03-158: Mr. Cameron moved to approve the following items of business and finance.
1. January 2003, Budget Hearing and Organizational Meeting: Establish January 6, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. at the John Glenn Community Center for the 2004-2005 tax budget hearing. Set January 6, 2004, at 7:30 p.m. in the John Glenn Community Center for the Organizational Meeting of the Board of Education.
2. Elect President Pro Tempore for Organizational Meeting: Elect a president pro tempore to open and preside over the organizational meeting until the new President of the Board has been duly elected. President Pro Tempore Suzanne McLeod.
Dr. Heydinger seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
MOTION 03-159: Ms. Lithgow moved to approve the following items of business and finance.
3. Transfer of Funds: Approve the following transfers of funds representing carryover amounts from 2002-2003 grant funds to the 2003-2004 grant funds as approved by the Ohio Department of Education:
a. $256.45 from Special Education Part B-IDEA FY-03 to the FY-04 grant
b. $300.00 from Targeted Assistance Title I FY-03 to the FY-04 grant
c. $2,215.00 from Innovative Programs Title V FY-03 to the FY-04 grant
d. $610.00 from Safe and Drug Free Schools Title IV-A FY-03 to the FY-04 grant
e. $19.06 from Improving Teacher Quality Title II-A FY-03 to FY-04 grant
4. Tuition Student: Approve the following student to attend Grandview Heights City Schools for the 2003-2004 school year with paid tuition:
a. Robert Aldinger High School, grade 10
Mr. Cameron seconded the motion.
On roll call, the members voted as follows: Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
Buildings and Grounds (X-D): There was one item of buildings and grounds to be considered at this time.
MOTION 03-160: Mrs. Keller moved to approve the following item of buildings and grounds.
1. Permanent Improvement Project: Approve the following permanent improvement project:
a. Fortin Welding $1,700.00 Fabricate and install deck plates to cover/secure 13 window openings at the high school
Ms. Lithgow seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Lamb described the proposed Permanent Improvement project.
Personnel (X-E): The superintendent recommended the approval of six items of personnel at this time.
MOTION 03-161: Mr. Cameron moved to approve the following items of personnel.
1. Retirement: Accept the following retirement:
a. Robert Henslee, high school custodian, effective January 1, 2004
2. Termination of Employment: Approve termination of employment for Louetta Morrill, cook, effective December 10, 2003.
3. Contract Changes: Change the following contracts for the 2003- 2004 school year:
a. Pep Band Director, Kie Watkins from 1.0 FTE $1,255.92 to .20 FTE $251.18
b. Cancel duplicate contract for Fitness Club, Margaret Eichner on the November agenda
4. Supplemental Duty Contracts: Approve the following supplemental duty contracts for the 2003-2004 school year:
a. Pep Band Director, Scott Heath, Class VII-1-(1), $753.55 (.80 FTE)
b. Basketball, Boys Freshman, Jake Weckesser, Class IV-1-(1), $2,197.86
c. Physical Education Productions, Margaret Eichner, Class VIII-3-(10), $1,255.92
d. Wrestling, Assistant Coach, Brad Tipple, Class III-1-(2), $2,668.83
5. SchoolNet Stipends: Approve the following stipends for Academy
of Practitioners. The stipends are paid from SchoolNet grant monies.
a. Angela Raquepaw not to exceed $2,000.00
6. Approve the employment of a substitute teacher for the 2003-2004 school year:
a. Christopher Sauer Art 1064 Pennsylvania Ave. Columbus, OH 43201
Approve the employment of the following classified substitute for the 2003-2004 school year:
Scott Torrens, Teacher Assistant
Dr. Heydinger seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: McLeod, yes; Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
Mr. Allen suggested that the retiring custodian be replaced because they are stretched already.
Co/Curricular Activities (X-F): There was one item of co/curricular activities to be discussed at this time.
MOTION 03-162: Ms. Lithgow moved to approve the following item of co/curricular activities:
1. Extra-curricular Volunteers: Acknowledge the following as volunteers for the 2003-2004 school year:
a. Caleb Coffman, varsity wrestling team
b. Jack Low, varsity wrestling team
c. Patricia Hoch, swim team
d. Geroge Moore, varsity wrestling team
e. Greg Moul, grade 7 boys basketball
Mr. Cameron seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes. 5 yes. The president declared the motion carried.
Other Items (X-G): There were no other items to be discussed at this time.
Items for Discussion (XI): The Board discussed the following items at this time.
A. Post Audit Conference: Post audit conference will tentatively be requested for Monday, December 22 at 7:30 a.m. in the Board of Education conference room. The audit information is considered confidential by the State Auditor until their report is released.
B. Members and the superintendent discussed the possibility of inviting additional participation in the retirement incentive programs through DDC and the Win-Win Committee. President McLeod will prepare a proposal for a memorandum of understanding to be considered by DDC regarding extending the retirement incentive program.
C. Members of the Board discussed information from the ODE staffing analysis and the extracurricular activity team. Members briefly discussed possible student activity pay to play fees. The question is, does the District keep its current fee structure that covers activities involving transportation or does the District consider and additional fees for all extracurricular activities? Members discussed the appropriateness for increasing any extracurricular fees. The student activity fees could support the overall cost of offering extracurricular programs – most just offset a portion of the cost. Members discussed some individual activities.
Executive Session (XII): The Board did not consider entering into executive session at this time.
Adjournment (XIII): President McLeod called for a motion to adjourn.
MOTION 03-163: Ms. Lithgow moved to adjourn.
Dr. Heydinger seconded the motion. On roll call, the members voted as follows: Cameron, yes; Heydinger, yes; Keller, yes; Lithgow, yes; McLeod, yes. 5 yes.
The president declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 11:02 p.m.
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