MT. VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES
JUNE 17, 2002
The Board of School Trustees of the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation held a regular meeting on Monday, June 17, 2002, at 7:00pm in the MVHS Auditorium. The following Board Members were present: Jeffrey Phares, Jan Cochard, Janice Hatoway, and Paul Riddle. Andrea Clarkson was absent. Also present were Superintendent William Riggs, Assistant Superintendent Walter Bourke, Business Manager Beverly Baugh, and Attorney Milo Gray.
President Phares called the meeting to order. Prayer was given by Mr. Riddle.
Mr. Cochard moved to approve the following consent items: 1.) The minutes of the May 20, 2002, meeting and to certify that an executive session was held, and that no matters were discussed in the executive session other than the subject matter on the public notices; and 2.) Claims #943-1125, in the amount of $1,764,098.73, and construction claims for pay request date May 20, 2002, in the amount of $1,975,215.29. Mrs. Hatoway seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Dr. Riggs read a letter from Tony and Sharon Schreiber on behalf of the MVHS Music Boosters thanking the board and administrators for their assistance in their efforts to purchase a vehicle for the band department. They also appreciated the support provided for their application to occupy a concession stand for Indianapolis Speedway events.
Dr. Riggs read a letter of appreciation from retiring MVE teacher Karen Meade for the years of support from MVCSC administrators and stating her regrets for being unable to attend the board meeting.
Mr. Phares read a letter from MVHS graduate John Harmon noting his regret that he was unable to attend the School Board Scholar reception and thanking the Board, administrators, and staff members for their support throughout his years attending MVCSC.
Mr. Phares noted that the 2001-02 Annual School Board Scholar Reception was held at 6:00pm prior to the board meeting, and thanked the parents and relatives that attended to honor the students who earned all A’s throughout the school year. Mrs. Hatoway moved to enter the names of the 2001-02 School Board Scholars into the official Board Minutes as follows: Elementary – Andrea Bailey, Kyle Banayote, Kyle Barker, Alex Beck, Drew Beechler, Kevin Bozymski, Spencer Burk, Logan Calder, Paige Carder, Katelyn Castner, Nick Correll, Natalie Eberhard, Lauren Garst, Jessica Houk, Eric Hulse, Kelsey Hurm, Lindsay Jones, Bryan Lord, Eric Lusk, Hannah McKnight, Lindsay McMillan, Jordan Reed, Lindsey Reimlinger, Andrew Sims, Jessica Slagle, Dylan Stafford, Danielle Steele, Bobby Theobald, Melanie Toloday, Kelsey Watson, Kylie Wells, Claire Williams, Ariel Worth, and Casey Wright. Middle School - Amye Adcock, Abigail Balbach, Elise Boruvka, Christopher Braden, Emily Breslin, Kevin Cherry, Jordan Cole, Jessica Denny, Abigail Givan, Brittney Hildinger, Martha Houghton, Brittany Jordan, John Kindler, Natalie Livengood, Amy Lynn, Lindsay Mitchell, Anne Neuendorf, Kathryn Porter, Robert Ryan, Zachariah Strodtman, Cameron Thacker, and Ryne Weppler. High School: Michael Adler, Stephen Breslin, Christin Chalmers, Ashley Chandler, Jonathan Clark, Alison Copeland, Ian Dailey, Genevieve Davis, Jason Doddridge, Anne Dryden, Stephanie Dylus, Deann Hancock, Eric Hanselmann, John Harmon, Melinda Holley, Stephanie Holman, Daniel Kindler, Tony Ljuldjuraj, Jacqueline Mills, Mandi Mooney, Martin Munoz, Angela Olson, Kyle Peacock, Laura Pillsbury, Benjamin Smith, Douglas Strodtman, Katrina Tuttle, and Brandon Wiseman. Mr. Riddle seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mrs. Hatoway read the list of inductees to the MVCSC 2001-02 Academic Wall of Fame as follows: MVE: Spelling Bee Champion – Bobby Theobald, Geography Bee Champion – Thad Matney, Addition T-Race Champion – Kelsey Watson, and Multiplication T-Race Champion – Ali Escue. MCE: Spelling Bee Champion – Andrea Bailey, Geography Champion – Nathan Bundy, Addition T-Race Champion – Ben Holliday, and Multiplication T-Race Champion – Andrea Bailey. MVMS: Spelling Bee Champion – Brett Highley, and Geography Bee Champion – Mitch Phegley. MVHS: Valedictorian – Angela Olson, Salutatorian – Jason Doddridge, School Board Scholar Five Times or More – Ashley Chandler, Jason Doddridge, John Harmon, Melinda Holley, Angela Olson, and Laura Pillsbury.
Mrs. Hatoway read the list of MVHS 2001-02 Hoosier Heritage Conference Academic Team recognitions as follows: Boys’ Soccer - Kyle Vail and Greg Strodtman, Girls’ Soccer – Mindy Holley, Alison Copeland, and Sylvia Borowicz, Boys’ Tennis – Daniel Kindler and Matt Hatoway, Girls Golf – Annie Dryden, Cross Country – Stephen Breslin, Jason Doddridge, John Harmon, Brandon Eiler, and Stephanie Holman, Football – Robbie Rhinesmith, Boys’ Swimming – Jonathon Clark, Eric Hanselmann, and Matt Hatoway, Boys’ Basketball – Jason Doddridge, Girls’ Basketball – Annie Dryden and Mindy Holley, Wrestling – Chris Horney, Cheerleading – Natalie Webber, Baseball – Robbie Rhinesmith, Boys’ Golf – Jonathon Clark, Matt Hatoway, and Daniel Kindler, Girls’ Tennis – Annie Dryden and Cassie Lomison, Boys’ Track – Stephen Breslin, Jason Doddridge, Brandon Eiler, and John Harmon, and Girls’ Track – Sylvia Borowicz and Stephanie Holman.
Mrs. Hatoway read the list of students who earned medals in the 2002 National Mathematics Pentathlon Tournament as follows: Honorable Mention – Bryan Lord (MVE), Allyson Moore (MVE), Jordan Russ (MVE), Faith Thompson (MCE), Sam Thompson (MCE), and John Williams (MVE). Bronze Medal – Thomas Garst (MVE), Hope Thompson (MCE), and Brad Voltz (MVE). Silver Medal – Jared Cooksey (MVE), Zachary Fritz (MVE), and Margaret Highley (MVE). Gold Medal – Bobby Theobald (MVE).
Dr. Riggs and Board Members recognized the following MVCSC retirees and thanked them for their years of dedication to MV students. (MV service/Total years teaching) Eston Dooley (36/37), Sharon Hamm (34/36), Paul Hanson (35/35), Sandra Johnson (25/25), Cheryl Kingery (33/34), Rebecca Leonard (15/20), Doug Linville (32/33), Karen Meade (24/29), Sadie Mott (25/32), Alice Rutherford (19/22), Karen Stumph (23/23), Sue Cargal (17, Food Service), and Sue Hoskins (23, Library Assistant).
There were no patron presentations.
Mark Copeland gave a brief update on the June 2, 2002 Corporation Improvement Council meeting. He stated that dates for the 2002-03 school year meetings were established along with topics for said dates. There was one meeting left without a specific topic in order to address areas of discussion as needed. Topics include a brief review of the school budget and revisiting the family leave provisions, among others.
Dr. Bourke provided status updates on the following construction projects. MVHS Athletic Facilities – All aspects of the project are on schedule and will be turned over to the corporation in July, with the exception of the soccer building, which is gaining progress. Intermediate School – Although the brick layers union was on strike, it only lasted three working days and the project is back on track and on schedule. Interior and exterior walls are rapidly taking shape. MVMS HVAC – Of the 160 wells being drilled for the geothermal system, only fifteen remain to be completed. The interior demolition is near completion and work is progressing on the locker and lab areas. MVMS Athletic Facilities – Excavation work is obvious to the viewer, however an unexpected glitch occurred last week. A barn from the property’s original owner was apparently burned and buried on the site, which was discovered during excavation. It is in the area of the football field/track and will require removal to eliminate potential sinking problems in the future. MVE – Interior demolition is near completion. McCordsville Elementary – Contacts are being made with county officials to establish passing blister requirements to eliminate problems prior to construction. MCE – Connection to Indianapolis Water Company should be completed prior to the return of students and staff in August.
College Cooperative Southeast Director Carrie Behling and MVCSC Technology Director Greg Rollo gave a demonstration of the newly installed two-way video equipment. A live conversation took place between those present at the board meeting and individuals from the Greenfield branch of the Hancock County Library. Mr. Rollo discussed a few of the enhancements that MV students and staff will be able to take advantage of with the new system. For instance, MVHS students could take a Japanese class taught at Greenfield HS via two-way video. With this equipment, four different sites can have simultaneous interaction.
Dr. Riggs gave an update on the State House with little positive information. The special session has only a few days remaining, yet differing opinions among the Senate and the House Representatives have not provided any significant agreements to date.
Dr. Riggs updated the Board and patrons on the research conducted regarding the current head lice policy and the request at the May 2002 board meeting to consider a revision of said policy. He reported that Corporation Nurse Dottie Harmon contacted numerous professional organizations for their recommendations and guidelines regarding pediculosis (head lice) and school attendance, including the Indiana State Dept. of Health, The Indiana Dept. of Education, the Hancock County Dept. of Health, the State of Indiana Code IC 20-8.1-7-8, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Richard Pollack of the Dept. of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, the Red Book, and the National Assoc. of School Nurses. Of those agencies, there was no evidence provided that would suggest a "no-nit" policy would improve the current issues of dealing with head lice cases. Mr. Cochard moved to retain the head lice policy as it is currently written. Mrs. Hatoway seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mrs. Hatoway moved to grant permission for Mr. Stadler to take the MVHS and MVMS band members to Kings Island, Ohio on June 27th (MS) and after July 20th (HS), contingent upon a student/teacher ratio of 10:1. Mr. Riddle seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Dr. Riggs reminded Board Members and patrons that opening ceremonies for the new soccer fields will take place on August 20, 2002, and for the new football facility on September 6, 2002. Both events will include special guests and activities to celebrate the grand openings.
Dr. Riggs reminded Board Members of the ISBA Summer Board Member Academy scheduled for July 11-12, 2002.
Mr. Cochard moved to approve the following personnel items. Resignations: Joy Johnson-MVE cafeteria; Shannon Simmermon-MVHS cafeteria; Anita Carol Campbell-MCE health room assistant; and, Haley Wilson-MVMS language arts teacher. Hirings: Sally Borowicz-MVMS library assistant; Jeannine Carder-MVE first grade teacher; Kim Grossman-MVE second grade teacher; Mark Copeland-MCE third grade teacher; Emily Wilson-HS/MS vocal music teacher; Kristy Kokoska-MVMS language arts teacher; MVHS, MVE, and MCE extra-curricular positions, as per the attached lists; Stacey Bricker-MVMS 8th grade volleyball coach; Diana Myers-MVMS 7th grade volleyball coach; and, Heather Whitaker-MVMS assistant cheerleader coach. Mrs. Hatoway seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Riddle moved to approve a one-year contract extension through June 30, 2004 for the following administrators: Walter Bourke, Beverly Baugh, Joe Loomis, Bernie Campbell, Greg Roach, Tom Harmas, Dan Johnson, Dan Denbo, Phil Davis, Greg Rollo, and Linda Ellis. (Lori Boyland was previously approved as the Intermediate School principal with a contract through June 30, 2005.) Mrs. Hatoway seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Riddle moved to approve a one-year contract extension through June 30, 2005 for Superintendent William Riggs. Mr. Cochard seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mr. Riddle moved to approve additional driver’s education instruction hours for Warren Welpott (60) and Phil Deardorff (54). Mr. Cochard seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Dr. Bourke reviewed the 2002-03 school lunch proposal prepared by Food Service Director Doris Johnson. Said report compares lunch prices for surrounding school districts, and notes that the last price increase for MVCSC was five cents per lunch in the fall of 1999. The report also establishes the need for a lunch price increase to avoid a negative balance in the food service fund at the completion of next school year. Mrs. Hatoway moved to increase school lunch prices to $1.70 for elementary students, $1.80 for MVHS and MVMS students, and $2.25 for adults. Mr. Riddle seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mrs. Hatoway moved to accept the 2001-02 SA-5 Reports from each of the building treasurers, with said reports to be filed in the administration building. Mr. Cochard seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Dr. Bourke presented the proposed 2002-03 book rental and fee amounts, stating that on the whole, said costs decreased 3.2% due to the adoption of integrated language arts materials. Mr. Cochard moved to approve the 2002-03 book rental and fees per grade level and MVHS fee increases for seven courses, as per the attached. Mrs. Hatoway seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.
Mrs. Baugh gave a brief update on information received at the Indiana Department of Education, School Finance Division’s annual budget workshop conducted June 10th. She stated that the news received at the meeting continued to reflect reductions of categorical programs, the probability of delayed reassessments, and anticipated delayed tax payments to the school corporations statewide. That information with the knowledge that the schools will receive only five State Support distribution payments during the first six months of calendar year 2003, simply magnify the budget woes and cash flow problems for next year. As a result, she noted that a twelve-month temporary loan for cash flow purposes will be required in 2003.
Mrs. Baugh presented the 2003 Budget Calendar for budget discussion, advertisement dates, public hearings, and adoption dates for Board and patron review. She also stated that David Bottorff, Legislative Director for the Association of Indiana Counties is strongly recommending that, "Schools, townships, cities, towns, libraries, counties, and other local units of government should not expect a normal budgeting process this year." Due to the inability for assessors (through no fault of their own) to provide assessed values to county auditors on a timely basis, the AV estimates will be anything but accurate. Therefore, he is recommending that local units use abnormally high tax rates when preparing and advertising the 2003 budgets. Mrs. Baugh noted that MVCSC would be advertising inordinately high tax rates with the knowledge that the rates will be drastically reduced when the State Board of Tax Commissioners approve the budget later in the year.
Dr. Riggs reviewed the Hancock-South Madison Joint Services 2003 budget, stating the proposal represented an increase of 5.6% in total expenses. He noted that he voted against the budget proposal in light of the reductions in staff and programs that MVCSC has endured to date, however, the majority approved said proposal. The total amount of Joint Services costs for MVCSC in 2003 will be $1,168,455.78.
Mr. Phares adjourned the meeting to executive session at 8:20pm.