School City of Mishawaka Mishawaka, Indiana May 10, 2016 Together, we will equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to excel in a dynamic and evolving world. Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees -- 7:00 p.m. Mishawaka High School 1202 Lincolnway East Mishawaka, IN 46544 Meeting called to order by Board President
at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Jeffery E. Emmons, President Larry E. Stillson, Vice President Holly Parks. Secretary William D. Pemberton, Member Dennis R. Wood, Member Dr. A. Dean Speicher, Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bruce Stahly, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Pettibone, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction William Welling, Interim Director of Human Resources OFFICIAL GUESTS: Dr. Theodore Stevens, Director for Curriculum and Instruction Barbara Michalos, Director of Exceptional Learners Eilleen Kalman, Assistant Director of Exceptional Learners Brad Addison, Principal, Emmons School James Aldrich, Director of Athletics Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School Rob Bach, Principal, LaSalle School Rochelle Brandenburg, Principal, Twin Branch School Jerome Calderone, Principal, Mishawaka High School Barton Curtis, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Michael Faulkner, Assistant Director of Athletics C. Mike Fisher, Principal, John J. Young Middle School Jenifer Fisher, Attendance Coordinator, Mishawaka High School Ashley Litwin, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle School Janine Mabry, Principal, Liberty School Patricia Morris, Program Supervisor, Joint Service Campus Program John Ross, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Daniel Towner, Principal, Beiger School David Troyer, Assistant Principal, Mishawaka High School Matthew Wood, Principal, Battell School Jeffrey Yohe, Principal, Hums School Trudy Lietzan, PTA Council President Patricia Bellovich, Secretary to the Superintendent Sherry Keyser, President, MEA
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Media Representatives: The School City of Mishawaka appreciates the presence of representatives from the media. Please identify yourselves to Pat Bellovich to have your attendance noted in the Board minutes. Persons who are hearing impaired or deaf and who require an interpreter for this meeting should notify the Administration Center in writing to School City of Mishawaka, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544, or by telephone at (574) 254-4500. Notification must occur by noon on the Friday prior to a Board Meeting.
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 This meeting is a meeting of the School Board in public for the purpose of conducting the School Corporation business and is not to be considered a public community meeting. There will be time for public comment as indicated on the agenda. VISITORS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON A SPECIFIC AGENDA ITEM Visitors requesting permission to address the Board on a specific agenda item are requested to sign in on the registration form upon arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant on any specific agenda item may be limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. Visitors will be restricted to one appearance per item. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Jasmyne Schierbaum 2016 – 65.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA – President Emmons It is recommended that the agenda for the May 10, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board be adopted as presented. Motion by
Wood
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
66.
RECOGNITION
66.1
MISHAWAKA HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTATION The program will begin with a performance by Maroon Jazz. That will be followed by Principal Jerome Calderone who will provide highlights of the school year. Mr. Calderone introduced his leadership team, thanking them for their hard work and saying that he is proud of their accomplishments. He also said that MHS teachers are committed and they are difference makers. Many good things are going on at MHS and Mr. Calderone mentioned several of them: full accreditation with AdvanceED, Beyond the Cave, Scholastic Arts Awards, spring and fall plays, successful academic teams, and the graduation rate that increased to 91.5%
66.2
2016 LILLY ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Peyton Marshall will be recognized for receiving one of four Lilly Scholarships awarded in St. Joseph County this year. Coach Bart Curtis praised Peyton for his hard work and dedication, and for the great example he has been at MHS.
66.3
MISHAWAKA HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS The Board of School Trustees will recognize the following Mishawaka High School 2016 Scholastic Art Award Regional Winners. Carla Arguello Sophie Bysiek** Madison Campbell Cecilia Cartwright Cassidy Challberg Coral Dorsch Leah Eddy Callie Edgil Jesus Galindo Emilianna Heredia Madison Kreil Olivia Kreig Vincent Parks Kiera Pelletier Madison Perry Jasmyne Schierbaum Carly Wood Alexandra Inwood Payton Fell Kiera Johns Jayda Osorio 2
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 Sean Pearson Lily Young Devonee Freet Yi Liao Dylan Whitman Katherine Mahoney Cameron Madison **Sophie Bysiek also received a National Gold Medal. Teacher Ryan Sergeant was awarded the Ann Hamilton Inspired Teacher Award for having the most gold key winning students in our region.
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR 2016 – 67.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR – President Emmons
67.1
COMMUNICATION WITH PTA
67.2
REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES
67.3
REPRESENTATIVES OF MISHAWAKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION Jane Wright reported that the Made in Mishawaka annual luncheon will take place on June 15. She also shared that the Get Fit clubs are very popular in all of the schools.
67.4
GENERAL PUBLIC Susan Styles addressed the Board with her concern about the increase in bullying and sexual harassment in the elementary schools.
Anyone wishing to address the Board on general topics is invited to do so under this item. These individuals must register their intention to participate in the public portion of the meeting upon their arrival at the meeting. Each statement made by a participant may be limited at the discretion of the presiding officer. It is requested that names and addresses be stated at the beginning of such comments. Individuals may speak only once during this section of the agenda. As per Board Policy, personnel issues will not be addressed during open sessions of the Board. Concerns about individual employees of the district should be brought to the superintendent or designee. 2016 – 68.
CONSENT AGENDA – President Emmons
68.1
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 26, 2016 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD It is recommended that the minutes of the April 26, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board be approved as presented.
68.2
BILL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL It is recommended that the bill warrants and payroll in the amount of $1,261,692.95 be approved for payment from the appropriate fund.
68.3
FIELD TRIP REQUESTS It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the Field Trip requests as listed and documented. Motion by
Stillson
second by 3
Parks
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 2016 – 69. 69.1
HUMAN RESOURCES PERSONNEL REPORT – Mr. Welling Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Personnel Report, dated May 10, 2016, be approved. Motion by
69.2
Parks
second by
Stillson
vote
5-0
APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION – Dr. Speicher Background Statement: Dr. Theodore Stevens was appointed Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction on June 23, 2015. In the fall of 2015 Dr. Stevens was also assigned the responsibility of Acting Director of Technology. His position title was changed to Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Acting Director of Technology. On July 1, 2016, the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Mr. Michael Pettibone, will be leaving full time employment with SCM. On May 24, we will be bringing a part-time (45%) position for Mr. Pettibone as Coordinator of Special Initiatives for SCM. The contract and addendum period recommended will be from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. The funds to pay for Mr. Pettibone’s position will come from the administrative portion of Titles I and II. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that Dr. Theodore Stevens be appointed as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction effective July 1, 2016. It is recommended that the Board enter into a two-year contract and addendum from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2018 with Dr. Stevens. Dr. Stevens’ salary will be set in January of each year of the contract retroactive to July 1 of the previous year. It is further recommended that the Board President and Secretary be authorized to sign the contract addendum. Motion by
69.3
Stillson
second by
Pemberton
vote
5-0
APPOINTMENT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS – Mr. Emmons Background Statement: Dr. A. Dean Speicher was appointed Interim Superintendent on July 28, 2015 for a one-year period. The Board of School Trustees is offering Dr. Speicher a three-year contract and addendum beginning July 1, 2016 and ending on June 30, 2019. A Public Hearing on the proposed Superintendent of Schools Addendum to Teacher Contract was held by the Board of School Trustees prior to their regular meeting on April 26, 2016, as required by Indiana Code 20-26-5-4-3. The proposed contract addendum has been posted on the SCM website for public viewing. The initial salary is one hundred forty-five thousand ($145,000) dollars between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. The School Board will adjust the salary in January of each calendar year. The salary adjustment will be retroactive to July 1 of the previous year as is the practice with the Administrative Group. A performance incentive of ten thousand ($10,000) dollars will be awarded to the Superintendent on an annual basis if the Superintendent meets the metrics outlined in the addendum. Other provisions included in the contract addendum can be viewed on the SCM website. 4
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that Dr. A. Dean Speicher be appointed Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2016. It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees enter into a three-year contract and addendum from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 as required by Indiana Code 20-26-5-4-3. Dr. Speicher’s salary will be set in January of each year of the contract and will be retroactive to July 1 of the previous year. It is further recommended that the Board President and Secretary be authorized to sign the contract addendum. Dr. Speicher said that SCM is a good school system with the potential to be a great school system. He thanked the Board for their support.
Motion by
2016 – 70. 70.1
Wood
second by
Parks
vote
5-0
CURRICULUM, INSTRUCTION, AND TECHNOLOGY Action
70.1a ADOPTION OF MATH TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS – Mr. Pettibone Background Statement: A group of teachers from School City of Mishawaka served as the textbook selection team for 2016 – 2017. Team members were provided the opportunity to attend local textbook caravans that highlighted a majority of the companies presenting materials. Sample books were sent directly to the middle and high school and sample elementary texts were made available through the Administration Center. Curriculum Associates made a presentation to the elementary teachers at SCM after choices were narrowed. The elementary schools in grades K-5 will be moving from Saxon Math to Curriculum Associates for the 2016 school year. The cost for the adoption for six years is $260,277. This includes the cost of the core books, teacher core materials, teacher online tool box resources, and professional development cost for the first year. The annual cost to the district will be $43,379. This does not include the cost of the i-Ready, an internal assessment and diagnostic. i-Ready is a state approved assessment tool and a team is presently evaluating this instrument. If the team were to choose to use this tool, it could reduce the cost of the textbooks by purchasing a package of services. In 2015 – 2016 the cost of Saxon Math to the district for materials was $51,997 with an additional cost of $3,572 for printing and labor by SCM for a total expense of $55,569. The annual savings of Curriculum Associates vs Saxon is $12,190, which will be shared between the parents paying textbook fees and SCM. The middle school will be readopting their present books and this will not create additional cost to the corporation textbook rental account. The high school will be adopting new books in Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and Calculus: AP. The total cost for the purchase of these books is $166,156. Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees adopt the attached list of textbooks and materials for Math for the next six-year adoption period. Motion by
Wood
second by
5
Parks
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 70.2
Reports and Discussion Items – Dr. Stevens
70.2a Digital Access Cards for JYMS and MHS through Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Library – Dr. Stevens The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is expanding its mission of providing tools to allow students to learn for a lifetime with the introduction of “My Digital Access Card.” The digital access cards will be distributed to all JYMS and MHS students and teachers at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year and will be valid through August 15, 2017. The “My Digital Access Card” allows students access to the library’s Overdrive platform for eBooks and eAudiobooks as well as quality databases such as Biography in Context, Science in Context, and the Testing and Education Resource Center. Lastly, support for digital products will be available all school year via the library’s Digital Services department. Mishawaka Penn Harris Library representative Jennifer Ludwig reported to the Board about the “My Digital Access Card”. There is no cost for the card and it will be valid through August 15, 2017. Ms. Ludwig said that inappropriate material will be blocked and that it is a great way to get digital resources into the hands of students.
70.2b Early College Program at MHS – John Ross and Jessica Mann MHS Assistant Principal John Ross and teacher Jessica Mann will provide a PowerPoint presentation on the Early College Program at Mishawaka High School. It will include the program design, results, and lessons learned for the first year of the program, which involves this year’s freshman, the class of 2019. The Early College Program is a nation-wide educational model that targets “middle students”. The program is designed to prepare more students for college. It features an expansion of the existing dual credit program and the addition of a Summer Bridge to prepare students for increased rigor. The primary goal of the program is that the students will earn at least 30 hours of college credit before graduation. 74 students started the program and 71 completed the Early College Freshman year.
2016 – 71. 71.1
VISION INITIATIVES Action
71.1a REPORT ON JOHN YOUNG EXPLORATORY TEAM PLANNING – Mike Fisher Background Statement: The Exploratory Team consists of twenty-five members including Team Leaders Mike Fisher and Dr. James Welling, as well as John Young teachers, one high school ninth grade teacher and three elementary sixth grade teachers. They first met in January 2016 and began to assess the quantity and quality of educational programs and services offered at John Young Middle School and what the group’s vision is for educational programs and services to be offered for 2016 – 2017 and beyond. The group identified areas where changes and improvements could be made and set goals for the 2016 – 2017 school year. Mr. Fisher will present a video summary of their work.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 Dr. Jim Welling is the Team Leader of the group whose goal is to research best practices and innovative approaches to Middle and High School education. Some of the changes that will be implemented next year are: expansion of PLTW opportunities for students, core grouping, reinvigorating of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and the addition of a second student-led conference. Also, a curricular and instructional theme was created for the coming year: “How can one make a positive difference in the world?”
71.1b ELEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION ACTION PLAN FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS – Barbara Michalos Background Statement: A committee of central office and building level administrators, special and general education teachers, and parents was formed in October 2015 with the task of making a recommendation for a quality Elementary Alternative Education Program for SCM students with behaviors that significantly interferes with the learning environment. The group met throughout the school year and worked to develop the framework of an Elementary Alternative Education Program for students in grades four to six. The focus of the committee work was determining ways to instill new behavioral skills and to maintain academic rigor to enable students to transition back to their home school with the behavioral and academic skills needed to be successful. The Program design focuses on an intake system based on multiple metrics and a path for the student to make educational and behavioral progress to enter successfully back at their home school. One measure of the success will be flow of alternative Education students back into their home school General Education program. Estimated Financial Impact: Staffing: One certified teacher, one Instructional Aide, one Program Assistant if necessary with estimated salary and benefits for all of $80,000. Material/Curriculum/Supplies: $3,000 Professional Development: $2,000 Recommendation to Board: It is recommended to the Board of School Trustees approve the implementation of the Elementary Alternative Education program for students in grades four to six for the 2016-2017 school year. The committee determined how the behavioral and social/emotional skills will be taught and decided the criteria for parent involvement. They also developed a system for staff members to communicate so students maintain progress in the general education curriculum and created intake and exit procedures for the program. The committee recommends that the program include grades 4 to 6 and be staffed with one teacher, one instructional aide, one program assistant, if needed, and mental health support. Program location for 2016 – 2017 is Emmons Elementary. Transportation to and from the program and during transition back to the home school is recommended. The proposed name of the program is Mishawaka ACES: Mishawaka Academic Center for Elementary Success. Administrative tasks remaining include designing a brochure, outfitting a classroom, obtaining materials, writing job descriptions and hiring staff.
Motion by
Stillson
second by
7
Parks
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 71.1c PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS – Eilleen Kalman and Jeanine Reynolds Background Statement: The Professional Development Work Group began in February and had several meetings throughout the 2015 – 2016 school year. The Work Group included members of SCM Leadership, MEA, MEF, PTA, and community members. The Work Group agreed upon the goals of Professional Development for SCM and discussed possible teacher incentives, the creation of a committee or board made up of teachers and administrators to choose Professional Development Program options, and the use of technology as a critical tool for professional development. During the 2016 – 2017 school year, the SCM Leadership Team will work with selected MEA and MEF representatives to build a unique voluntary Professional Development Plan for SCM. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the Professional Development goals as presented. The group reached consensus on three goals: to offer high quality professional development; provide incentives and rewards; and promote shared leadership. With this foundation, they will continue to work in this area to build a unique professional development plan for SCM.
Motion by
2016 – 72. 72.1
Parks
second by
Wood
vote
5-0
BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Action
72.1a APPROVAL OF TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR OPERATING LEVY REFERENDUM AND CAPITAL PROJECTS REFERENDUM – Dr. Stahly Background Statement: As School City of Mishawaka is preparing for the possibility of an Operating Levy Referendum and a Capital Projects Referendum, two legal firms were contacted for proposals for legal services. The two legal firms contacted were Ice Miller (Jane Herndon) and Barnes and Thornburg (Phil Faccenda). The Ice Miller proposal was a range (minimum and maximum) of $31,000 to $38,000. After some negotiations, the range for the same services from Barnes and Thornburg was reduced to $28,000 to $40,000. Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees authorize Dr. Speicher to sign the agreements (2016 Operating Levy Referendum and 2016 Capital Projects Referendum) with Barnes and Thornburg for legal services for both the Operating Levy Referendum and Capital Project Referendum (minimum $8,000 to maximum $17,000). In addition, if bonds are issued for the Capital Projects Referendum then the range of legal fees for the issuance of the bonds would be a minimum of $20,000 to a maximum of $23,000. The process will start in two weeks and the 1028 Hearing will take place on June 14.
Motion by
Stillson
second by 8
Pemberton
vote
5-0
Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 72.1b ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS – Dr. Speicher Recommendation to Board: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the following donations as listed and documented. $500.00 – Ethos for Beiger Robotics $50.00 – The Bultinck family for Beiger Robotics $500.00 – Mishawaka Business Association for Beiger Robotics $251.00 – School Store to Hums for classroom supplies Motion by 72.2
Wood
second by
Parks
vote 5-0
Reports April Financial Report • • •
2016 – 73.
We will need additional an appropriation toward the end of the year Operating balance is trending positive The Financial Report will be a monthly event
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS
73.1
The Elementary Fine Arts Exhibit will be on display in the Spencer Gallery at the Mishawaka Penn Public Library in downtown Mishawaka during the month of May. The exhibit is from all the public schools in Mishawaka and includes works from students in kindergarten through grade six.
73.2
The Mishawaka PTA Council and the Board of School Trustees will host a Retirement Reception at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 to honor the 2015 – 2016 School City of Mishawaka retirees. The retirement reception will be held at the Administrative Center and the public is invited.
73.3
Review School Board Agenda Calendar of Events
73.4
The next Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana.
73.5
We are pleased to announce that the Beiger PTA was recognized as the Northwest Region Honor Unit at the State PTA Convention. Dr. Speicher offered congratulations to Coach Bart Curtis on being named to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
2016 – 74.
ADJOURNMENT – Emmons Adjournment Time: 9:30 p.m.
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Regular Meeting of the Board – May 10, 2016 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES South Bend Tribune Mishawaka Enterprise WHME Newsroom
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WNDU TV WSBT TV
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WSJV TV
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ABC 57
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U 93
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WGTC
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WSBT
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WRBR
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FOX 28 WFRN
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