MASON COUNTY CENTRAL SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION

MEETING MINUTES

Regular Meeting

October 25, 2004

1] CALL TO ORDER

President Al Deering called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

2] ROLL CALL

Members Present: Al Deering, Jim Dittmer, Nancy Knizacky, Gena Nelson, Randy Saxton, Roland Struve, Sherry Wyman

Members Absent

Others Present: Sherryl Martin, Jack Murchie, Jeff Mount, Trent Naumcheff, Christy Christmas, Deb Thomas, Bob D'Agostino, Joe Sturgess, Kris Courtland-Willick, Carla Mayer, Randy Fountain

Others Absent: Chuck Sandro

Also Present: Mark Steigenga, Ludington Daily News; Robert Ferney, Mike Allen

3] CONSENT APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mr. Deering requested that an executive session be added to the agenda. The agenda was approved with the addition.

4] *CALENDAR APPROVAL

A motion was offered by Mr. Saxton, supported by Ms. Knizacky, to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2004 regular meeting and the claims for the month. The motion carried 7 – 0.

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

None.

6] INFORMATIONAL REPORTS

A. Public Hearing for Annual School Election date.

During the October 11 regular meeting the board passed a resolution which tentatively set the school election date for the annual May date. The public hearing was set to allow for public discussion on this tentative date. There were no comments or questions from the public regarding this date.

B. District SWOT Analysis – Christy Christmas, Carla Mayer

The District SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) as perceived by administrators and the district analysis team was reviewed. Revisions from the previous analysis were explained. The board will consider this information as it continues work on Long Range Planning.

C. Proposal One – Jim Dittmer

Mr. Dittmer gave a brief history and appraisal of Proposal One, regarding gambling legislation. Of concern is the effect of Proposal One on education funding should it pass. Following discussion on the subject Mr. Dittmer offered a resolution that the Board go on record in opposition to Proposal One. The motion was supported by Mr. Saxton and passed 7 – 0.

7] ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

High School Principal
Jack Murchie Murchie deferred to Mr. Sturgess, who reported the following:

The high school is in finals week for the quarter. Report cards will be available next Friday.

Seniors who need to retake portions of MEAP will be able to do so November 1 – 4.

The October 20 in-service went well and was very productive for the high school staff.

The varsity football team will travel to Grayling on Friday for the first round of play-offs.

Mr. Murchie announced that 112 students received H.G. Bacon awards during ceremonies two weeks ago.

Middle School Principal
Jeff Mount Mr. Mount reported the following:

School pictures were taken October 5th and retakes will take place on November 4.

The Middle School marking period ends November 5th.

The Breakfast Book Club started meeting last week.

A very successful fundraiser will be wrapping up soon.

The students will have an assembly on Tuesday on Woodlands. It is being presented by the Michigan United Conservation Club and sponsored by the Fin and Feather Club of Mason County.

In sports, Mr. Naumcheff reported that fall sports are coming to an end. The 8th grade football team won the WMC championship.

In response to Mr. Struve’s question regarding the homework lab, Mr. Mount reported that, even though it is just getting started they have observed positive results. Student expectations have been raised and parents have been supportive.

Elementary Principal
Sherryl Martin Events and happenings for Riverton and Scottville Elementary include:

Participation in Michigan Safe Schools Week and Red Ribbon Week

Picture retakes on November 4

PTC meetings – Scottville Elementary on November 4th and Riverton Elementary on October 26.

Assembly "My Life as a Hot Dog"

End of marking period on October 28 with report cards to go home on November 5. Parent/teacher conferences will be November 9 and 11.

Business Manager
Kris Courtland-Willick

Ms. Willick reported that West Shore Bank was the high bidder for the State Aid Note, with a 1.84% interest rate.

Community Ed Director
Bob D’Agostino No Report

Curriculum, Communication & Projects
Christy Christmas

Ms. Christmas reported that she recently attend a Title IX workshop. She will be holding training for area school district Homeless Liaisons on Wednesday. An update and handout on the October 20 in-service was provided. An update on Journey High School included the following:

Students are involved in a winter coat and clothing drive with FIA, as well as a food drive.

The marking period ends November 4.

In cooperation with PCA, Journey is a drop-off site for a county wide cardboard recycling effort.

The student count has necessitated the hiring of additional staff. She will be making recommendations for positions later in the meeting.

Superintendent
Chuck Sandro No Report

8] BOARD REPORTS

A. Technology Advisory
Gena Nelson Ms. Nelson reported that there will be a Technology Advisory Team meeting on Wednesday.

ISD Report
Nancy Knizacky Ms. Knizacky reminded board members to review the CBA/professional development offerings through the Mason-Lake ISD.

LRN
Jim Dittmer Mr. Dittmer gave an update on the recent Legislative Breakfast. He also announced that the IDEA Reauthorization may occur at the federal level yet this fall.

Governance
Roland Struve No Report

District Improvement
Gena Nelson The previous meeting was postponed and will be rescheduled.

President
Al Deering Shortfalls in state funding for the year can still be expected. Mr. Deering asked board members to continue thinking about the goal setting process for future work.

 

 

9] *ACTION ITEMS

A. Recommendation for Drama Director

Mr. Murchie recommended George Reed for the position of Drama Director. A motion was made by Mr. Saxton, supported by Ms. Nelson to accept the recommendation. The motion carried 7 – 0.

B. Resolution to Approve the Adult Education High School Completion Program

Mr. D’Agostino explained the changes in the credit requirements, and stated that the requirements exceed the state level. He asked the board to approve the program. A motion was offered by Mr. Dittmer, supported by Ms. Knizacky. Following a brief discussion the motion carried 7 – 0.

C. Resolution Setting a Date for the Annual School Election.

Mr. Dittmer offered a resolution that would establish the school election as the regular May date on an annual basis (the first Tuesday following the first Monday of May).

The resolution was supported by Mr. Saxton and passed 7 – 0.

Recommendation to Hire a Teacher and Aide at Journey High School

Ms. Christmas recommended the hiring of Jeff Tuka as half time academic teacher and half time educational assistant for the in-school suspension program at Journey High School. A motion was made by Mr. Saxton, supported by Mr. Struve, to hire Jeff Tuka for the described positions. Following a discussion about Mr. Tuka’s qualifications the motion carried 7 – 0.

Recommendation to Hire Additional Aide at Journey High School

Ms Christmas recommended that David Gibbs be hired as a half time educational assistant for the in-school suspension program at Journey High School. Mr. Saxton made a motion, supported by Mr. Struve, to hire Mr. Gibbs. The motion carried 7 – 0.

10] ADDITIONAL EXPRESSIONS FROM THE PUBLIC, 20 Minutes maximum

Mr. Allen requested information on receiving the same paperwork the board receives prior to meetings.

Mr. Allen also asked for an explanation of how the possible plans for improving the kitchen at the Mason County jail will impact the MCC food service. Ms. Willick responded that there will be an impact if and when improvements are made, but there has been no discussion at this time of terminating services with the jail.

Mr. Ferney remarked that the schools have a potential resource for funding, etc, with the Fin and Feather Club, including scholarship opportunities.

Mr. Saxton moved that the board move into an executive session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations, following a five minute recess. The motion was supported by Mr. Dittmer; motion carried 7 – 0.

11] EXECUTIVE SESSION

An Executive session was convened at 8:40 p.m. for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations that are on-going with the MCC Education Association. All board members were in attendance. Mr. Saxton moved, Mr. Dittmer supported, that the board return to regular session. Motion carried 7 – 0.

12] OTHER

13] *ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Mr. Saxton, supported by Mr. Struve, to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 7 – 0.

The meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

___________________________

Gena Nelson, Secretary