7 28 15 Board Minutes

School City of Mishawaka Mishawaka, Indiana July 28, 2015 Together, we will equip our students with the knowledge, skill...

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School City of Mishawaka Mishawaka, Indiana July 28, 2015 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. Administrative Center 1402 South Main Street Mishawaka, IN 46544 Meeting called to order by Board President

at 7:00 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Jeffery E. Emmons, President Dennis R. Wood, Vice President Holly Parks, Secretary William D. Pemberton, Member Larry E. Stillson, Member Daniel R. Towner, Executive Director for Curriculum and Instruction Randy J. Squadroni, Business Manager Gregg A. Hixenbaugh, Executive Director for Human Resources & Legal Counsel OFFICIAL GUESTS: Dr. Theodore Stevens, Assistant Director for Curriculum and Instruction Barbara Michalos, Director of Special Education Services Eilleen Kalman, Assistant Director of Special Education Services Brad Addison, Principal, Emmons School James Aldrich, Director of Athletics Michael Babcock, Assistant Principal, John J. Young Middle 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 Principal, Beiger School 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 Principal, LaSalle 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 Mr. Gregg A. Hixenbaugh in writing at the 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 – July 28, 2015 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 2015 – 115.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA – President Emmons It is recommended that the agenda for the July 28, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board be adopted as presented. Motion by

Wood

second by

Parks

vote

5-0

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR 2015 – 116.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR – President Emmons

116.1 COMMUNICATION WITH PTA Mrs. Fox reported that PTA is gearing up for the start of school. She also reported that PTA is funding the elementary sports program.

116.2 REPRESENTATIVES OF SCHOOL EMPLOYEES None

116.3 REPRESENTATIVES MISHAWAKA EDUCATION FOUNDATION None

116.4 GENERAL PUBLIC No one registered to speak.

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.

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Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 2015 – 117.

CONSENT AGENDA – President Emmons

117.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD It is recommended that the minutes of the July14, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board be approved as presented. 117.2 BILL WARRANTS AND PAYROLL It is recommended that the bill warrants and payroll in the amount of $1,036,182.60 be approved for payment from the appropriate fund. 117.3 FUNDRAISER REQUESTS It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees grant approval for the fundraiser requests as listed and documented. 117.4 PERSONNEL REPORT It is recommended that the Personnel Report, dated July 28, 2015, be approved. Motion by

Stillson

second by

Parks

vote

2015 – 118.

COMMUNICATION TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD – Secretary Parks

2015 – 119.

INSTRUCTION

5-0

119.1 Action 119.1a APPROVAL OF ELKHART AREA CAREER CENTER AGREEMENT – Mr. Towner Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the renewal of an agreement between School City of Mishawaka and the Elkhart Area Career Center enabling students from Mishawaka High School to attend the Career Center on a full or partial day basis. The renewed agreement will run through June 30, 2016. It is further recommended that the President and Secretary of the Board be authorized to sign the contract for these services on behalf of the Board of School Trustees. Mr. Towner reported that 85 MHS students are enrolled in courses at the Career Center for the 2015 – 2016 school year.

Motion by

Wood

second by

3

Stillson

vote

5-0

Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 119.1b APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR VOCATIONAL COSMETOLOGY – Mr. Towner Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve the agreement with Michiana Beauty College for vocational cosmetology services. This agreement is for a certified vocational cosmetology program for students attending Mishawaka High School. It is further recommended that the Superintendent be authorized to sign the agreement. Motion by

Parks

second by

Stillson

vote

5-0

119.2 Discussion Items 119.3 Reports – Mr. Towner

2015 – 120.

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS BOARD COMMENTS

120.1 Action 120.1a APPROVAL OF SPEICHER FIELDS & ASSOCIATES, INC.’S ASSIGNMENT AND TRANSFER OF ITS CONSULTING OBLIGATIONS TO COLLABORATIVE IMPACT GROUP, LLC. – President Emmons Board President’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees approve Speicher Fields & Associates Inc.’s assignment and transfer of its consulting obligations to Collaborative Impact Group, LLC, effective August 1, 2015. The approval of this assignment and transfer will not extend the contractual term established by the Consulting Agreement that was approved by the Board on February 10, 2015. It is further recommended that the Board President be authorized to sign any document necessary to memorialize the Board’s approval of this assignment and transfer. President Emmons   said that the Collaborative Impact Group, LLC comprised of Dr. Bruce Stahly, Matt Lentsch, and Dr. Jim Welling will advise the Collaborative Committee, which is made up of a citizens’ group from our community and is led by Dick Currey and Marcia Wells. This group is refining the results of the summer committee’s work, to advise and recommend to the Board certain action. Its recommendations have already resulted in about three million dollars in savings and added revenue, and hopefully more to come. Dr. Bruce Stahly will have a different role and separate contract with School City to advise Randy Squadroni in putting together the 2016 school budget. Randy will be leaving School City on October 31, 2015. At that time, we will address the process of filling that position.

Motion by

Stillson

second by

4

Pemberton

vote

5-0

Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 120.1b APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS – President Emmons The Board of School Trustees will appoint an Interim Superintendent of Schools. President Emmons named Dr. Dean Speicher as the Interim Superintendent. Each Board member gave a statement in support of Dr. Speicher. President Emmons: In the beginning of this year, the Board became aware that it could need to be in search for a new Superintendent. Some names were discussed, but first we were aware that certain qualities and characteristics were going to be necessary to provide needed direction: Community respect/gravitas, energy, trust with Board and in the community, provide forward vision, and bring a proven track record to the table. After fourteen months of proven success it became apparent that Dr. Dean Speicher had these qualities. He shared a vision of community engagement and a commitment to School City. He related a vision of a culture of excellence, bringing School City from good to great. This is a vision the Board shares as well. I believe Dr. Dean Speicher has the quality and ability to deliver School City from good to great. As the Board goes through this year, we will begin the process of targeting potential candidates in filling the permanent Superintendent Mr. Pemberton: He spoke about what he sees as a need for a transformation of culture. He said that we need to look to the future. The referendum was soundly defeated and SCM did not make a good enough argument for it. The Study Group, which was led by Dr. Speicher, worked very hard and the result of their work was a list of recommendations. The School Board worked together very diligently and decided to take these ideas and recommendations. That meant that we had to go through a transformation. It was guided by Dr. Speicher. Under his guidance, the group has done a magnificent job. The Board’s vision matches the vision of Dr. Speicher. Mr. Wood: I am personally 100% in support of Dr. A. Dean Speicher to take over as the SCM Interim Superintendent. I have worked with and for Dr. Speicher for over 25 years and am very proud to say so. His wonderful experience and absolute professionalism are definitely positive qualities that he possesses. I believe that Dean provided exemplary leadership that helped to make PHM into the strong and vibrant school system that it is today. Dean is a man of integrity, honesty and has a tremendous work ethic. Mishawaka and the surrounding communities will soon understand the great leader that he is. It is time for TRUST and a positive outlook for the School City of Mishawaka and for our Community. Now is the time to move forward with a great leader and Dr. A. Dean Speicher is the man for the job of SCM Interim Superintendent. Mr. Stillson: Dr. Speicher has a vision for School City of Mishawaka, he has a plan to make that vision a reality and he has the leadership ability to bring everything and everyone together. Dr. Speicher brings instant credibility to the interim superintendent position. He has a wealth of experience, knows the community and has worked with many of the stakeholders in a variety of ways. He has access to human resources that can be utilized during this period of change and transition. Dr. Speicher will also be a great resource as we move toward finding a quality long term superintendent. Mrs. Parks: I believe that Dr. A. Dean Speicher is the best person for the role of SCM Interim Superintendent because of his strong leadership, forward thinking, and direction he has for the School City of Mishawaka and the kids it serves. Dean is a well-educated professional, who comes with vast connections, many great ideas, tremendous vision, vast experience and is an outside of the box thinker. He is also a strong and very capable leader.

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Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 In my opinion, if Dean was unsure of a solution or direction to head, he will place in his path and surround himself with the best and brightest leaders as a part of his team. His leadership team will collectively determine and drive the best possible outcomes for SCM. Dean has proven that he can be an effective leader and Superintendent. Dr. A. Dean Speicher was the PHM Superintendent for 21 years. During this time he successfully ran one of the most complicated and complex organizations. At that time PHM had 10,500 students, 1,000 employees and a 35 million dollar budget. Does all of this experience mean that will be able to fix all of the issue facing SCM in one year, probably not. He, however, will have started us down the path of rebuilding relationships, community engagement and in a direction that will best serve the students that attend SCM. One of the most challenging tasks that Dean will take on is the leadership for finding the best possible permanent Superintendent. Dean has listened to the SCM Board of Trustees and he understands the characteristics and qualities that this person must possess. Please understand the SCM Board of Trustees is working hard to rebuild and reconnect with the community, and with the help of Dean and the Community Collaborating Committee we have begun to see a lot of good evidence/changes and improvements of the positive things that are to come under Dean’s leadership. I am fully confident that Dean will lead us in the direction that best serves our kids. I am looking forward to all of the great things that are coming in this next year and am very eager to see the dramatic shifts in the way we engage the community, educate our children and excel as the School City of Mishawaka.

Motion by

Pemberton

second by

Wood

vote

5-0

120.1c DECLARATION OF SURPLUS AND OBSOLETE PROPERTY – Mr. Towner Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees declare old library books purged from K-6 libraries as surplus and obsolete property per I. C. 5-22-22-8. The books are outdated and no longer used. They will be donated to Better World Books. Motion by

Wood

second by

Parks

vote

5-0

120.1d ACCEPTANCE OF DONATIONS – Mr. Towner Superintendent’s Recommendation: It is recommended that the Board of School Trustees accept the following donations as listed and documented. $73,175.19 – Rosemary Klaer Estate for MHS Athletics Motion by

Wood

second by

120.2 Discussion Items 120.3 Reports 2015 – 121.

INFORMATION TO THE BOARD 6

Parks

vote

5-0

Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS – Mr. Towner

2015 – 122.



On Wednesday August 5, 2015 all SCM elementary schools and John Young Middle School will resume regular daily office hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Mishawaka High School will resume regular daily office hours of 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.



The next Regular Meeting of the Board of School Trustees will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Center, 1402 South Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana.



Mr. Towner thanked the Board for all of their support, saying that he enjoyed working at Central Office. He welcomed Dr. Speicher to School City.

ADJOURNMENT - Wood Adjournment Time: 7:40 p.m.

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Regular Meeting of the Board – July 28, 2015 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES South Bend Tribune

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Mishawaka Enterprise WHME Newsroom

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WNDU TV

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WSBT TV 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

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WFRN

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