MASON COUNTY CENTRAL SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

MEETING MINUTES

Regular Meeting

November 17, 2003

The Mason County Central Schools Board of Education met at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Business Office for the purpose of a board work session, followed by the regular meeting agenda.

1] CALL TO ORDER

President Al Deering called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

2] ROLL CALL

Members Present: Al Deering, Randy Saxton, Gena Nelson, Jim Dittmer, Karen Bieniek, Norm Letsinger

Members Absent: Nancy Knizacky

Others Present: Kris Courtland-Willick, Chuck Sandro, Carla Mayer

(7:45 p.m.) Jeff Mount, Sherryl Martin, Trent Naumcheff, Randy Fountain, Deb Thomas

Also Present: Wayne Norlin of Design Plus, Mark Steigenga of Ludington Daily News,

(7:45) Mary Ann Nielsen

3] CONSENT APPROVAL OF AGENDA

The agenda was approved by consent.

4] *CALENDAR APPROVAL

A motion was made by Mr. Dittmer, seconded by Mr. Saxton, to approve the minutes of the October 27, 2003 regular board meeting and Finance Committee meeting, as well as the claims for the month.

Motion carried 6 – 0.

5] DELEGATIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC, 30 Minutes maximum

None.

BOARD WORK SESSION

To begin the board’s work session, Mr. Sandro reported on the November 14, 2003 staff in-service presentation regarding the budget, funding, and bond issue.

The following topics were discussed during the session:

Budget Mr. Sandro presented an overview of the budget reduction process and history. Ms. Willick addressed the state’s pro-ration process and the outlook for SY 2004-05. Discussion then focused on the fund equity balance and factors affecting the budget reduction process.

Bond Project

This discussion centered on whether to proceed with a bond campaign and the timing of such a campaign. The board consensus was to convene an enlarged citizens group, and to support a bond project if that is the determination of the group. Wayne Norlin of Design Plus was on hand to answer questions.

President Deering called a five minute recess at 7:35 p.m.

The Meeting was reconvened at 7:45 p.m.

6] INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

A. United Way Campaign - Carla Mayer

Ms. Mayer reported on the success of the 2003 campaign in exceeding the district goals, thanks to the generosity of staff and the hard work of the building and department representatives.

B. MASB Fall Conference – Jim Dittmer

Mr. Dittmer recently attended the MASB Fall Conference. Issues addressed at the conference included NCLB, negotiations, and the CBA program.

C. Irradiated Food – Mary Ann Nielsen

Ms. Nielsen, Food Service Director, gave an update on the pros and cons of irradiated foods, and the effect on the district to accept such food.

D. Governance Project – Chuck Sandro

Mr. Sandro asked for guidance from the board on proceeding with the governance and policy rewrite through MASB. Maintaining updates to the policy document was discussed.

7] ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

High School Principal
Jack Murchie

No Report

Middle School Principal

Jeff Mount Mr. Mount noted the Ludington Daily News article that covered the Veterans Day assembly. He reported a very successful food drive, with West Shore Bank volunteering to provide a treat for the students. The Middle School Solo and Ensemble Competition was held Saturday, with seven students chosen to attend the Hart Honors Band Camp.

Elementary Principal

Sherryl Martin Ms. Martin reported that the elementary buildings also had a successful canned food drive. Elementary staff has been involved in technology trainings, with more to come. Wednesday there will be a Second Step Training for parents of Victory and Riverton elementary students.

Business Manager
Kris Courtland-Willick

                                                            No Report

Community Ed Director
Bob D’Agostino

                                                            No Report

Superintendent
Chuck Sandro
Mr. Sandro mentioned the Senior Center Christmas Tree Ornament gift-giving opportunity.

He then introduced the question of a need for a board meeting on November 24, 2003. This is a scheduled regular meeting. The board consensus was to cancel the November 24 meeting.

8] *ACTION ITEMS

A. Recommendation for 7th Grade Volleyball coach – Randy Fountain

Mr. Fountain recommended Keri Sanders for the 7th grade volleyball coach position. A motion was made by Ms. Bieniek, seconded by Mr. Saxton to accept the recommendation. Motion carried 6 – 0.

B. Recommendation for Contract Renewal – Sherryl Martin

Ms. Martin recommended teacher Jessica Danielson for third year probationary status. A motion was made by Mr. Letsinger, seconded by Mr. Dittmer, for the contract renewal of Ms. Danielson. Motion carried 6 – 0.

C. Recommendation for Contract Renewal – Jeff Mount

Mr. Mount recommended teacher Kay Stakenas for third year probationary status. A motion was made by Mr. Saxton, seconded by Mr. Letsinger, for the contract renewal of Kay Stakenas. Motion carried 6 – 0.

9] ADDITIONAL EXPRESSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC, 20 Minutes maximum

None

10] EXECUTIVE SESSION

None

11] OTHER

Deb Thomas announced that Outlook is up and running. She recommended that board members accept an account through the school. She will offer training in its use.

The members agreed to a training prior to the second board meeting in January, 2004.

12] *ADJOURNMENT

A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Saxton, seconded by Ms. Nelson. The motion carried 6 - 0

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Karen Bieniek, Secretary