Board of Education Regular Board Meeting

Grant Public Schools March 12, 2007

The Board of Education of the Grant Public Schools met in regular session on Monday, March 12, 2007 with President, Dave Robinson presiding.

Board Members Present: Dave Robinson, President; Jim Stuart, Vice President; Kris Lesley, Secretary; Bob Jenema, Treasurer; Jon Chase, Jill Niewiadomski, and Paul Roberts Trustees.	MEMBERS PRESENT
Administrators Present: Scott Bogner, Superintendent; Tom Szocinski, H.S. Principal; Scott Cousineau, H.S. Assistant Principal; Lance Jones, M.S. Principal; Dan Simon, M.S. Assistant Principal, Joel Schuitema, Elementary Principal; Renae Galsterer, P.C. Principal; John Klever, Learning Center Director; and Jan Lesley, Finance Director.	ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT
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 Bob Jenema, supported by Paul Roberts, to approve the agenda as presented.	AGENDA
Motion Approved 7-0
Lisa Corbett, Elementary School Special Education Teacher, made a presentation to the board on the LIPS intervention service for special needs children.	SPOTLIGHT
Laura Cole, 12386 Oak Ave., Grant, MI spoke regarding the proposed consolidation of kitchens. Kathy Christensen, 4387 E. 110^th St., Grant, MI spoke regarding the consolidation of kitchens.	PUBLIC COMMENTS
Motion by Kris, supported by Jon, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. a. Approval of Minutes of February 12, 2007 Regular, February 12, 2007 Closed, Finance Committee February 26, 2007, and Board Workshop March 1, 2007. b. Approval of Treasurer’s Report c. Approval of Payment of Bills	CONSENT AGENDA
Motion Approved 7-0
Scott Bogner, Superintendent, informed the board that Grant Public Schools has received a 2-year grant from the FACF to be used towards technology needs. The 7^th & 8^th grade band received straight 1’s at festival, while the HS Symphonic Band scored all 1’s and one 2 at their competition. The Voluntary Severance Plan that was approved at the Board Workshop on March 1^st was presented to the teaching staff on Monday March 5^th. A crosswalk across 120^th between the high school and the middle school will be installed in the spring. Lansing is currently stalemated in regards to the budget proposals. It’s still up in the air as to what will happen on funding. County superintendents have been working with a consultant on how the districts can work collaboratively to save money.	SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Tom Szocinski, High School Principal, reported that year-end graduation activities are gearing up! 8^th grade orientation is coming up on March 27^th. Congratulations are in order for Juan Enriquez for finishing 4^th in the state in wrestling. The new core curriculum changes will be reflected in the high school handbook starting next year.	PRINCIPAL REPORTS
Lance Jones, Middle School Principal, informed the board of upcoming events and that their recent fundraiser raised $9,000. The middle school handbook will be changed to reflect the RTC process. The athletic handbook will also be changed so that it covers the period between middle school and high school.
Joel Schuitema, Elementary School Principal, informed the board of upcoming activities. The Middle School Pride team will be performing for the Elementary students on March 30.
Renae Galsterer, Primary Center Principal, reported that March is reading month and the students have been doing activities centered on Dr. Seuss. RIF will be at both the Elementary and Primary Center on March 22^nd. Mrs. Flauaus’ class has been writing letters to two Newaygo County servicemen. One is on his way home for leave and will be stopping by to visit the kids.
John Klever, Learning Center Director, reported that Nathan Cook is the Learning Center Student of the Month.
Every year the board has to opt to participate in the Newaygo County Schools of Choice Plan. It is recommended by the Administration that we continue to participate in the Newaygo County Schools of Choice Plan, with openings in all grades except Special Education Categorical Rooms which are being fully utilized. Motion by Bob Jenema, supported by Paul Roberts, to continue with the Newaygo County Schools of Choice Plan.	NEWAYGO COUNTY SCHOOLS OF CHOICE
Motion Approved 7-0
Lori Golden, 2^nd grade teacher, has requested a maternity leave per FMLA for the birth of her child. Brent Foondle is requesting paternity leave after the birth of his child. Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Kris Lesley, to approve both leaves as requested.	LEAVE OF ABSENCE REQUESTS
Motion Approved 7-0
Sarah Bottorff was interviewed and is recommended to fill a bus driver vacancy which resulted due to a resignation. Motion by Jim Stuart, supported by Jon Chase, to hire Sarah Bottorff as presented.	BUS DRIVER HIRING
Motion Approved 7-0
It is recommended by the Administration to renew the non-union personnel contracts as follows: Administrators through June 30, 2009, Superintendent through June 30, 2010, and all other non-union staff through the 2007-2008 school year. Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Bob Jenema.	NON-UNION PERSONNEL CONTRACTS
Motion Approved 7-0
New graduation requirements instituted by the state which are in effect beginning with the class of 2011 necessitate the purchase of new textbooks for Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Earth Science. Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Jon Chase, to approve the purchase of textbooks as presented.	TEXTBOOK APPROVAL
Motion Approved 6-1 (Paul Roberts — Nay)
In order to improve the efficiency of our food service program, it has been determined that Grant Public Schools can operate using the Middle School Kitchen as the primary kitchen for food preparation. Motion by Jill Niewiadomski, supported by Dave Robinson to approve the consolidation as presented. Motion by Jim Stuart, supported by Bob Jenema to table the consolidation proposition at this time for further review.	CONSOLIDATION OF FOOD SERVICE KITCHENS
Motion Approved 3-0 (4 abstentions Chase, Niewiadomski, Lesley, Robinson)
In an effort to control expenses, it is recommended by the Administration that one maintenance employee be reduced by June 30, 2007. Motion by Jon Chase, supported by Bob Jenema.	REDUCTION IN MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL
Motion Approved 7-0
The monthly board calendar was discussed. Upcoming items are staffing for 2007-08, mini-grants, and NCRESA Elections.	DISCUSSIONS
There being no further business before the Board, President Dave Robinson entertained a motion to dismiss. Motion by Bob Jenema, supported by Jon chase. The meeting was declared adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kathi Thornton Recording Secretary