DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2006

6:30 P.M.

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL

 

 

A Work Session was held at 5:00 p.m. to tour renovated facilities at Delta High School.

 

An Executive Session was held at 6:00 p.m. on personnel matters

 

MINUTES

 

Present:  Sean Burcham, President; Harry Fowler, Vice-President; Norb Heban, Secretary; John Adams, Member; Lisa Clawson, Member; Pat Mapes, Assistant Superintendent; Steve Hall, Assistant Superintendent; Steve Gookins, Superintendent.

 

I.                   CALL TO ORDER

 

At 6:30 p.m. President Sean Burcham called the meeting to order.

 

II.               PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.            A moment of silence was observed in honor of Mrs. Eppert.

 

IV.             AMEND AGENDA

 

A.     A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Norb Heban to amend the agenda as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

V.                 MINUTES

 

B.     A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by John Adams to approve the minutes of the business meeting and executive sessions held on Tuesday, September 19, 2006.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

VI.             FINANCE

 

A.     A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the list of vouchers as presented.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

B.     Request to purchase over $5,000.00. 

 

Reece Seal Coating, Inc.                  DHS                      CP                      $12,210.00

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Harry Fowler to approve Reece Seal Coating, Inc. to reseal the running track at Delta High School as presented by Assistant Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

C.     Financial report-September 2006

 

Superintendent Gookins presented the Board with the financial report for September of 2006.

 

VII.          OLD BUSINESS

 

A.     2007-2008 school year calendar

 

Superintendent Gookins advised the Board five options for the 2007-2008 school year calendar have been presented.  The DCCTA recommends option five, which mirrors the 2006-2007 school year calendar.  A discussion followed on the pros and cons of the various options.

 

A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by John Adams to approve the 2007-2008 school year calendar using option 4.  The motion was approved three in favor with Norb Heban and Lisa Clawson voting nay.

 

B.     Pre-employment drug policy

 

Superintendent Gookins advised the Board making this policy effective immediately would mean anyone recommended tonight would fall under this policy.

 

A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Harry Fowler to approve the pre-employment drug policy to be implemented immediately as presented by Superintendent Gookins.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

VIII.      COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

 

Delta High School students from Mrs. Ervin’s class, Brianna McCaslin, Elizabeth Marshall, and Ashley Anacker, were introduced at the meeting.

 

Sheliah Dorton brought additional teacher comments to the Board regarding the 2007-2008 calendar.  The comments from teachers will be compiled and given to the Board in a few days.

 

IX.             NEW BUSINESS

 

A.     Certified Staff

 

1.      A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the employment of Michelle Emrick as a classroom teacher at Royerton Elementary effective immediately pending receipt of all approved paperwork.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

B.     Classified Staff

 

1.      The Board was informed of the retirement of Don Walburn as Transportation Director effective November 3, 2006 at the end of the workday.

 

2.      A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Harry Fowler to approve the recommendation to appoint Kim Kemper as Transportation Director effective November 4, 2006 pending receipt of all approved paperwork.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

3.      The Board was informed of the resignation of Andrea Morsey as the C.A.P.E. Director at Eaton Elementary School effective October 2, 2006.

 

4.      The Board was informed of the resignation of Amii Davis as the Deputy Treasurer for the Corporation effective November 16, 2006.

 

5.      A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by John Adams to approve the request for medical leave by Donald Pease.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

6.      A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the recommendation to employ April Williams as a C.A.P.E. Director for Eaton Elementary School effective October 2, 2006 pending receipt of all approved paperwork as presented by Superintendent Gookins.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Lisa Clawson and seconded by Harry Fowler to approve the following Classified Staff employees pending receipt of all approved paperwork as presented by Superintendent Gookins:

 

7.      Recommendation to employ Lisa Astrop as a Food Service employee at DeSoto Elementary School effective immediately.

 

8.      Recommendation to employ Tracy Bullock as a four-hour custodian for Albany Elementary School.

 

9.      Recommendation to employ Perry Pershing as a substitute bus driver pending receipt of approved paperwork.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

C.     Extra Curricular

 

1.      The Board was informed of the resignation of Curt L. Crouch as the head wrestling coach at Delta High School.

 

2.      A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by John Adams to approve the authority to employ a wrestling coach, and a gymnastics coach for Delta High School for the 2006-2007 seasons prior to the next Board meeting as presented by Superintendent Gookins.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to appoint the following ECA positions pending receipt of all approved paperwork as presented by Superintendent Gookins:

 

3.      Recommendation to appoint Rebecca Wills as a swim coach at Delta Middle School from January 4, 2007 through the season.

 

4.      Recommendation to appoint Joseph Lacy as an eighth grade boys basketball coach at Delta Middle School from October 24, 2006 through the season.

 

5.      Recommendation to appoint Spencer Wood as a volunteer cheer coach at Delta Middle School from October 18, 2006 through the season.

 

6.      Recommendation to appoint Gary LeMaster as a head eighth grade girls basketball coach at Delta Middle School from October 24, 2006 through the season.

 

7.      Recommendation to appoint Roger Richards as a head seventh grade girls basketball coach at Delta Middle School from October 24, 2007 through the season.

 

8.      Recommendation to appoint Dustin Cunningham as a seventh grade boys basketball coach at Delta Middle School from October 24, 2007 through the season.

 

9.      Recommendation to appoint Andrew Smith as a head boys and girls diving coach at Delta High School for the 2006-2007 winter season.

 

10. Recommendation to appoint Kelly Zimmerman as an assistant girls swimming coach at Delta High School for the 2006-2007 winter season.

 

11.  Recommendation to appoint Polly Hoover as a ½ pay girls assistant basketball coach at Delta High School for the 2006-2007 winter season.

 

12.  Recommendation to appoint Myshel Rodenbeck as an assistant boys swimming coach at Delta High School for the 2006-2007 winter season.

 

13.  Recommendation to appoint Andy Lewman as a head sixth grade boys basketball coach at Delta Middle School for the 2006-2007 winter season.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

D.     Conference Requests/Field Trips

 

A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the following conference requests and field trips as presented by Superintendent Gookins:

 

1.      Chrys Phillips, Dee Orick, Karen Ashcraft, Jenny Dishman, Denise Dakins, Sharon Glaser, Cara Dennis, and Zella Page request permission to observe the New Castle Schools on Monday, October 23, 2006 (Fall Break) in New Castle, IN.

 

2.      Carol Arms and Rebekah Weaver request permission to attend the Teacher/Mentor Internship Workshops in the afternoon on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 at the East Central Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

3.      Amy Lewman and Ford Clark request permission to attend the Rules 2002 Beginning Teacher and Mentor Information Session on Monday, October 30, 2006 at the East Central Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

4.      Kim DeVoss, Becky Watters, and Andrea Morsey request permission to attend the Beginning Teacher and Mentor Information Session on Monday, October 30, 2006 at the East Central Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

5.      Sue Paul and Josiah Parker request permission to attend the Beginning Teacher/Mentor Internship Program in the afternoon on Monday, October 30, 2006 at the East Central Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

6.      Kelli Clanin and Teresa Terry request permission to attend the Beginning Teacher/Mentor Internship Workshops in the afternoon on Monday, October 30, 2006 at the East Central Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

7.      Maryann Foltz and John Adamsetta Dolon request permission to attend the Economic Education Expo and ICEE Annual Awards Program on Friday, November 3, 2006 at The Fountains in Carmel, IN.

 

8.      Lynn Wright and Deb Christopher request permission to attend the Econ Expo and Annual Awards Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at The Fountains in Carmel, IN.

 

9.      Jennifer Conti requests permission to attend the Indiana School Counseling Association Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

10. Tom Kemp and David Reade request permission to attend the 32nd Annual State LD and ADHD Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Ritz Charles Conference Center in Carmel, IN.

 

11.  Lauren Griffis requests permission to attend the 32nd Annual State LD and ADHD Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Ritz Charles Conference Center in Carmel, IN.

 

12.  Lori Koza requests permission to attend the Indiana School Counselor’s Association 2006 Fall Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

13.  Melinda Stephan requests permission to attend the ISCA 2006 Fall Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

14.  Sheila Piazza requests permission to attend the Art Education Association of Indiana State Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at Lafayette University in Lafayette, IN.

 

15.  Jeri Harman and Betty Johnson request permission to attend the ICEE Award Banquet and Expo. on Friday, November 3, 2006 at The Fountains in Carmel, IN.

 

16.  Lou Davis, Melba Fox, and Linda Case request permission to attend the 2006 Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association Conference on Friday, November 3, 2006 at the Holiday Inn Select in Indianapolis, IN.

 

17.  Amii Davis and Tarinna Morris request permission to attend the Komputrol School Financial Users Meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN.

 

18.  Steve Hall, Scot Croner, and Trent Liggett request permission to attend the ISBA Student Due Process Workshops on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN.

 

19.  Beth DeLong and Rebekah Weaver request permission to attend the IMEA First through Fifth Year Music Teacher Workshop on Friday, November 10, 2006 at Butler University in Indianapolis, IN.

 

20. Susan Speicher request permission to attend the History Professional Development Series on the following dates:  Tuesday, November 14, 2006; Wednesday, February 21, 2007; and Wednesday, May 9, 2007 at Minnetrista in Muncie, IN.

 

21.  Nanette Triplett and Carol Arms request permission to attend the 4MAT:  The Natural Leaning Cycle Workshops on Thursday through Friday, November 16-17, 2006 and Wednesday through Thursday, January 17-18, 2007 at the East Central Indiana Service Center in Connersville, IN.

 

22. Steve Hall requests permission to attend the ISBA Current Issues in Special Education Workshop on Friday, November 17, 2006 at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

23. Don Harman requests permission to attend the 2006 IASP Fall Professional Conference on Sunday through Tuesday, November 19-21, 2006 at the Downtown Marriott in Indianapolis, IN.

 

24. Stephanie Orr requests permission to attend the Expanding Our Tools for Working with Students Across the Autism Spectrum Seminar on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at the Grand Wayne Center in Ft. Wayne, IN.

 

25. Steve Hall, Jessica Baker, and April Williams request permission to attend the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Training on Thursday through Friday, November 30 – December 1, 2006 at the Hilton North in Indianapolis, IN.

 

26. Roxanne Lee (Albany) and Lisa Cook (Eaton) request permission to attend the Kindergarten Conference for Indiana Teachers on Monday, December 4, 2006 at the Crowne Plaze Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

27.  Robin Royal (Albany) and Bethany Davis (Eaton) request permission to attend the Kindergarten Conference for Indiana Teachers on Tuesday, December 5, 2006 at the Crowne Plaze Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

28. Cindy Vaughn requests permission to speak at Ball State University to Elementary Education Health Education Classes on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.

 

29. Camille Mealy requests permission to attend the Indiana Music Educators Association State Convention on Thursday through Friday, January 18-19, 2007 at the Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

30. Debbie Eichhorn requests permission to attend the Indiana Music Educators Association State Convention on Thursday through Friday, January 18-19, 2007 at the Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

31.  Matt Lyons and Nancy Kunk request permission to take the Delta FFA from Delta High School to the Delaware County Fair Grounds for a soil-judging contest on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

32. Dawn Raleigh requests permission to take the Academic Team from Delta High School to Huntington University to compete in the Fall 2006 Competition on Wednesday, October 11, 2006 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

33. Dawn Raleigh requests permission to take the English 12 students from Delta High School to the Bracken Library at Ball State University to research and gather materials on Friday, October 20, 2006 from 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

 

34. Matt Lyons and Nancy Kunk request permission to take the FFA students from Delta High School to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. on Thursday through Friday, October 26-27, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. on Thursday to 8:00 p.m./9:00 p.m. on Friday.

 

35. Nicole VanDervort requests permission to take the eighth grade class from Delta Middle School to Ball State University to compete in the “We the People” public speaking competition on Friday, November 3, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.

 

36. Jan Morris requests permission to take the Ringers and Singers from Royerton Elementary School to Washington DC for a musical performance on Thursday through Monday, April 26-30, 2007.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

E.     Information and Proposals

 

1.                  Superintendent

 

a.      Delta High School Project, Phase II

 

Superintendent Gookins advised the Board he has met with Jerry Firestone of RQAW and they have determined a timeline to keep the Delta High School project on track to complete Phase II prior to the 2007-2008 school year.  Negotiations on price have gone well and Superintendent Gookins recommends we continue with RQAW for Phase II of the Delta High School Project.

 

Several drawings of the completed project were presented to the Board and a discussion followed regarding a few changes to be made since the latest meeting with Mr. Firestone.

 

After much discussion, the Board requested some options for making the dumpster area of the high school have a more appealing appearance.

 

A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Norb Heban to give authority to approve the contract, to proceed with specifications, and to proceed with a notice to bidders as presented by Superintendent Gookins.  The motion was approve unanimously.

 

b.      School Security

 

Superintendent Gookins informed the Board it would be an understatement to say school security has been on everyone’s mind lately.  Reviewing the safety of our school corporation has been a top priority with several meetings as well as all crisis plans being reviewed.  Superintendent Gookins welcomed the Board’s input, but also encouraged everyone to realize when you live in a free society there are risks.

 

Superintendent Gookins informed the Board we do have security cameras in our buildings and a security guard on the grounds at the high school.  Once students have entered the buildings, all doors but one are locked at elementary schools and all but two at secondary schools.  All buildings have a crisis plan, which is not publicized for security purposes.  We also have a “tip line” which has been widely publicized.

 

A discussion followed with suggestions and questions designed to make our corporation the safest place possible.  Some of our principals will be attending a state school safety meeting in the upcoming weeks.  The Board has requested a presentation be made upon their return.  It was the consensus of all present we need to communicate as much as possible with students, staff and parents to create the safest schools possible.

 

c.       The NSBA’s 67th Annual Conference

 

Superintendent Gookins informed the Board the National School Board Association’s 67th Annual Conference is to be held in San Francisco on Saturday through Tuesday, April 14-17, 2007.  To ensure housing accommodations, reservations to attend the conference must be made immediately.

 

2.                  Steve Hall, Assistant Superintendent

 

a.      Student Due Process Appeals

 

Assistant Superintendent Hall advised the Board of a law, which affects the way School Boards hear student expulsion appeals.  School Boards will no longer be able to hear appeals on a case-by-case basis.  If they hear one appeal, they must hear them all.

 

A discussion followed of the current process and how this might affect our Board in the future.

 

The Student Due Process Appeals Policy was tabled and will be brought back as old business at the next School Board Meeting.

 

b.      School-Based Systems of Care

 

Assistant Superintendent Hall advised the Board, School Based Systems of Care is a program through which Meridian Services provides Bachelors degreed clinicians who provide in-school behavioral health support to “at-risk” students. 

 

It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with exploring the possible use of School Based Systems of Care as presented by Superintendent Hall.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

3.      Pat Mapes, Assistant Superintendent

 

A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the following items for surplus as presented by Assistant Superintendent Mapes:

 

a.      Request to surplus one large storage unit on wheels to be moved to the warehouse from Eaton Elementary School.

 

b.      Request to surplus a television from Delta High School.

 

c.       Request to surplus technology equipment.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

d.      A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by John Adams to approve the Eaton PTO donation of a convection oven as presented by Assistant Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Harry Fowler and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the following building usage and fundraisers as presented by Assistant Superintendent Mapes.

 

e.       Randy Richter requests permission for the Delaware Aquatic Club to use the Delta High School Swimming Pool for an Invitational Swim Meet on Saturday-Sunday, November 4-5, 2006 from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.

 

f.        Lisa Ferguson requests permission for the Delta High School French Club to hold a Walk/Run-A-Thon on Thursday, October 26, 2006 from 7:45 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. and Friday, October 27, 2006 from 11:10 a.m. through 1:10 p.m. to offset the cost of the 2007 Spring Break trip to Paris.

 

g.      Greg Hinshaw requests permission for Delta High School to hold a Mini-Marathon with the high school faculty in Indianapolis, IN on Saturday, May 5, 2007 to benefit the students at Delta High School through the Delaware Memorial Scholarship Fund.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

h.      Delaware 4-H Council

 

Assistant Superintendent Mapes informed the Board Mr. Sean Burcham, president of the Board, has chosen to continue as representative to the Delaware 4-H Council.

 

i.        PowerSchool Update

 

Assistant Superintendent Mapes informed the Board their packet has information on parent usage of PowerSchool.  Overall 51.6 percent of our parents have accessed the site to gather information on their students.  This has been a beneficial program for our parents and students.

 

4.      Director of Maintenance

 

a.      None

 

5.      Director of Transportation

 

a.      Board President Sean Burcham expressed the Board’s appreciation for Director of Transportation, Don Walburn’s many years of dedicated service to the Corporation.

 

X.                 LETTERS/NOTES

 

A.     None

 

XI.             BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

 

Harry Fowler – We welcome Michelle Emrick and April Williams to the Corporation and look forward to working with you.  Don Walburn has done a wonderful job with the Corporation and will most certainly be missed.  Kim Kemper will do a good job of continuing on.

 

Lisa Clawson – I would like to thank everyone for coming.  Thank you to the advanced food class for the wonderful dinner.

 

John Adams – Welcome to the students here this evening.  Congratulations to April Williams and Michelle Emrick.  It is good to see our Administrators bringing their new employees to the Board meeting.  Good luck to Kim Kemper in your new position.  Don Walburn, it’s been nice meeting you.  Thank you for your years of service.  Thank you to the advanced food class for the dinner.

Norb Heban – Congratulations Don Walburn on your retirement.  I would echo everything my fellow Board members said.  Thank you to the Principals for coming tonight and thank you as well for the Board reports submitted monthly.  Thank you to the students for coming.  This is just one step in the political process and it is important you understand what goes into making these kind of decisions.

 

Sean Burcham – I concur with my fellow Board members.  Thank you all for coming.  Congratulations to Don Walburn on your retirement and thank you for your years of service. You will be missed.  I’d like to take a moment and remember Mrs. Eppert who was a part of our Corporation for 39 years.  I had the privilege of attending her funeral and she was highly spoken of for her relationships with her students.  One of the most important things in our lives is our relationships with those around us.  Mrs. Eppert obviously knew that.

 

XII.          FUTURE MEETINGS

 

A.     The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at Royerton Elementary School.

 

B.     The ISBA will hold a one-day seminar regarding current issues in special education on Friday, November 17, 2006 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.

 

C.     The ISBA will hold a School Law Seminar on Friday, December 8, 2006 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.

 

XIII.      ADJOURNMENT

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