Board of Education                                                                              Regular Board Meeting

Grant Public Schools                                                                                     February 18, 2008

 

Due to inclement weather on February 11, 2008, the regular Board of Education meeting was rescheduled to February 18, 2008 at the Middle School Cafetorium.  The Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, February 18, 2008 with President, Dave Robinson presiding.

 

Board Members Present: Dave Robinson, President; Jim Stuart, Vice President; Jill Niewiadomski, Secretary; Kris Lesley, Treasurer; Bob Jenema, and Paul Roberts, Trustees.

MEMBERS PRESENT

 

 

Board Member Absent:  Jon Chase

MEMBERS ABSENT

 

 

Administrators Present: Scott Bogner, Superintendent; Mike Ostyn, Assistant Superintendent; Lance Jones, M.S. Principal; Joel Schuitema, Elementary Principal; Renae Galsterer, P.C. Principal; John Klever, Learning Center Director; and Jan Lesley, Finance Director.

ADMINISTRATORS

PRESENT

 

 

Tom Szocinski, H.S. Principal; Dan Simon, H.S./M.S. Assistant Principal; Lance Stray, Athletic Director.

ADMINISTRATORS

ABSENT

 

 

Others Present:   Kathi Thornton & others.

OTHERS PRESENT

 

 

President, Dave Robinson, called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m.  

 

 

Motion by Paul Roberts, supported by Kris Lesley, to approve the agenda as presented.

AGENDA

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

In recognition of Principal’s Week, Superintendent Scott Bogner thanked each principal for the time and effort they put forth to make Grant Public Schools a wonderful educational institution and presented them with a certificate and small gift.  Mr. Bogner also introduced our new Liaison Officer, Mitch Rood, to the board.

SPOTLIGHT

 

 

No public comments were offered at this time.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

 

Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Jim Stuart, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.

     a.  Approval of the Regular and Closed Minutes of January 14, 2008

     b.  Approval of Treasurer’s Report

     c.  Approval of Payment of Bills

CONSENT AGENDA

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 


 

Scott Bogner, Superintendent, reported that bids have been received for the installation of new lighting in the Middle School gym.  The Building & Site Committee will need to set a date later in the meeting to go over these bids.  MEAP scores from the fall are out and they look pretty favorable.  Mr. Ostyn will be presenting those in an upcoming meeting. 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

 

In his absence, High School Principal Tom Szocinski’s  report was presented to the board by Mr. Bogner. Senior Exit Interviews went well and the new Honors Ice Cream event was a success.

PRINCIPAL

REPORTS

 

 

Lance Jones, Middle School Principal, informed the board of upcoming professional development for his staff and upcoming musical concerts.

 

 

 

Joel Schuitema, Elementary School Principal, informed the board of upcoming parent/teacher conferences and field trip to the Grand Rapids Museum for the 3rd grade.

 

 

 

Renae Galsterer, Primary Center Principal, reported that March is reading month and her students will be working with Read Across America and RIF will be coming in for the students. 

 

 

 

John Klever, Learning Center Director, presented data regarding discipline referrals at the Learning Center.  Referrals are down and Mr. Klever attributes this to the implementation of the SWIS program, the implementation of bells, and the academic focus and structure in the classroom.

 

 

 

Sarah Bottorff, bus driver, has requested a personal leave.  Motion by Jim Stuart, supported by Bob Jenema, to approve the personal leave as presented.

PERSONNEL LEAVE REQUEST

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

The following NEOLA policies were presented at the January meeting for first reading and are being presented for final approval. 

 

·         Policy 2421 (replacement)    Career and Technical Education

·         Policy 5136 (revision)          Cell Phones and ECDs

·         Policy 5460 (revision)          Graduation Requirements

·         Policy 5540 (revision)          Interrogation of Students

·         Policy 7250 (revision)          Naming of School Facilities

·         Policy 7440 (revision)          Security and Video Surveillance

·         Policy 9211 (replacement)    District Support Organizations

 

Motion by Kris Lesley, supported by Bob Jenema, to approve the policies as presented.

NEOLA POLICY ADDITIONS AND REVISIONS

Motion Approved 6-0

 

Karen Freeland, Bus Garage Aide, has submitted her letter of resignation stating her intention to retire at the end of February.  Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Jim Stuart, to accept the resignation as presented.

EMPLOYEE RESIGNATION

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

The Grant Learning Center, as part of the alternative education program, has developed three English as a Second Language (ESL) classes which need to be formally approved by the Board of Education.  This curriculum is presented tonight for first reading.  Motion by Bob Jenema, supported by Kris Lesley, to approve the curriculum guide for first reading.

LEARNING CENTER CURRICULUM GUIDE

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

The upcoming monthly calendar was discussed and the following committee meeting dates were set:  Building & Site Committee on February 27th at 4:15 p.m. followed by the Curriculum Committee at 5:30.  Both will meet at the Administration Office.

DISCUSSIONS

 

 

At 7:28 p.m. President Dave Robinson entertained a motion to convene into closed session per Section 8C of the Open Meetings Act to discuss collective bargaining strategy.  Motion by Kris Lesley, supported by Bob Jenema. 

CLOSED SESSION

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

Motion by Bob Jenema, supported by Jim Stuart, to reconvene into open session at 8:34 p.m.

OPEN SESSION

 

 

Motion Approved 6-0

 

 

 

There being no further business before the Board, President Dave Robinson entertained a motion for adjournment.  Motion by Jim Stuart supported by Bob Jenema.  President Robinson declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

 

Kathi Thornton

Recording Secretary