DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2007

6:30 P.M.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

 

 

MINUTES

 

 

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

 

Absent:  Sean Burcham, Member

 

 

I.                   CALL TO ORDER

 

At 6:30 p.m. Board President Harry Fowler called the meeting to order.

 

II.                PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

III.             AMEND AGENDA

 

A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lisa Clawson to amend the agenda as presented by Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

IV.              MINUTES

 

A.     A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by John Adams to approve the minutes of the executive sessions and business meeting held on Tuesday, September 23, 2007.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

V.                 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.     Purchase over $7,500

 

Midwest Transit               Corporation                    BRF                   $67,511.00

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by John Adams to approve the purchase of a 48-passenger bus with a lift from Midwest Transit at a cost of $67,511.00 as presented by Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

VI.              OLD BUSINESS

 

A.     2008-2009 School Year Calendar

 

Superintendent Mapes brought three options for a 2008-2009 school year calendar to the Board for discussion.  A fourth option is being put together for the Board’s review.  Approval was tabled to give time for review.

 

VII.           COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR

 

Sheliah Dorton, president of the DCCTA (Delaware Community Classroom Teachers Association), explained to the Board the teachers will be discussing the 2008-2009 school year calendar at the PR Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.

 

VIII.        NEW BUSINESS

 

A.     Certified Staff

 

1.       The Board was informed of the resignation of Stephanie Orr as a special education teacher for Albany Elementary School effective October 19, 2007.

 

2.      A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the request for leave of absence by Karen Bogol as presented by Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

3.      A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the request by Superintendent Mapes to employ a special education teacher prior to the next regular meeting of the school board of trustees.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

B.     Classified Staff

 

1.       The Board was informed of the resignation of Tracy Bullock as a part time custodian at Albany Elementary School effective immediately.

 

2.      The Board was informed of the resignation of Donna Helfst as a secretary to the athletic department at Delta High School effective October 31, 2007.

 

3.      A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to employ Johnny Carpenter as a substitute bus driver pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

C.     Extra Curricular

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by John Adams to approve the following Extra-Curricular appointments as presented by Superintendent Mapes:

 

1.       Appoint Sandy McMillan as a fitness club director (intramural position) for DeSoto Elementary School effective for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

2.      Appoint Lisa Letsinger as a Delta Dance Sponsor for Delta High School with a stipend paid from Delta High School vending funds effective for the 2007-2008 season pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

3.      Appoint Matt Spiess as an intern for the Athletic Department at Delta High School effective for the second semester of the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

4.      Appoint Drew Smith as a boys and girls diving coach (two positions) for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

5.      Appoint Nathan McConnell as an assistant boys swimming coach for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

6.      Appoint Kelly Zimmerman as an assistant girls swimming coach for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

7.      Appoint Paul Grove as a varsity girls softball coach for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

8.     Appoint Kerry Coak as a head gymnastics coach for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

9.      Appoint Michelle Kirchgassner as an assistant gymnastics coach for Delta High School effective for the 2007-2008 school year pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.

 

10.  Appoint Joel VanPelt as a sixth grade boys basketball coach for Delta Middle School effective for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

11.   Appoint Terry Koontz as a boys assistant track coach for Delta Middle School effective for the 2007-2008 school year.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

D.    Conference Requests/Field Trips

 

A motion was made by Lisa Clawson and seconded by John Adams to approve the following conference requests and field trips as presented by Superintendent Mapes:

 

1.       Jennifer Orchard requests permission to attend the Assistive Technology Team Meetings on the following Wednesdays:  October 10 and November 11, 2007, January 9, February 13, March 12, April 9 and May 14, 2008 at Storer Elementary School in Muncie, IN.

 

2.      Joey Gossett, Brain Brewer and Angie Goodman request permission to attend Mentor Training on the following Wednesdays:  October 10 and November 28, 2007, January 9, February 13, March 5, and April 2, 2008 at the South Madison Community School Corporation in Pendleton, IN.

 

3.      Debbie True requests permission to attend the IASBO Extra-Curricular Seminar on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at the New Castle High School in New Castle, IN.

 

4.      Kathy Hottinger, Pam Addison, and Bethany Davis request permission to attend the Fall Title I Conference on Monday, October 15, 2007 at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, IN.

 

5.      Mary Ann Creasy requests permission to attend the Indiana Association of School Psychologists Fall Conference on Monday through Tuesday, October 15-16, 2007 at the Holiday Inn North in Indianapolis, IN.

 

6.      Kim Kemper requests permission to attend the Art of Documentation, Discipline and Discharge Workshop on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, IN.

 

7.      Emily Filler and Debbie Cox request permission to attend the Co-Taught Workshop on Friday, October 26, 2007 in Columbia City, IN.

 

8.     Lisa McKee requests permission to attend the Teaching Kids to Comprehend What They Read Workshop on Friday, October 26, 2007 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

9.      Christopher Conley requests permission to attend the Title I Fall Administrative Meetings on Monday, October 29, 2007 at the Adams Mark in Indianapolis, IN.

 

10.  Tarinna Morris and Lois Cole request permission to attend the Komputrol School Financial Users Meeting on Wednesday, October 31, 2007 at the Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN.

 

11.   Lisa McKee requests permission to attend the Box Cars and One-Eyed Jack Workshop on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the Glick Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

12.  Julie Titus requests permission to attend the ISCA Fall Conference on Thursday, November 1, 2007 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

13.  Lori Koza and Julie Titus request permission to attend the ISCA Conference on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

14.  Deb Christopher requests permission to attend the Indiana Council for Economic Education Annual Awards Program on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the State Capitol in Indianapolis, IN.

 

15.   Cindy Morgan requests permission to attend the 2007 Fall ISCA Conference on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Adams Mark in Indianapolis, IN.

 

16.  Jennifer Conti requests permission to attend the Indiana School Counseling Association Conference on Friday, November 2, 2007 at the Adams Mark Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

17.   Jennifer Winkhart and Chris Hannah request permission to attend the “Different Strokes for Little Folks” Differential Reading Workshop on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at the Adam’s Mark in Indianapolis, IN.

 

18.  Steve Hall, Don Harman, and Chris Conley request permission to attend the Best Practices Learning Symposium on Friday, November 8, 2007 at the North Montgomery Schools in Crawfordsville, IN.

 

19.  Robin Royal and Roxanne Lee request permission to attend the Conference for Indiana Teachers on Monday through Tuesday, November 12-13, 2007 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

20. Lisa Cook and Bethany Davis request permission to attend the Conference for Indiana Kindergarten Teachers on Monday through Tuesday, November 12-13, 2007 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Indianapolis, IN.

 

21.  Jan Morris requests permission to attend the IMEA Board Meeting on Friday, November 16, 2007 at the DoubleTree Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

22. Don Harman requests permission to attend the IASP Fall Professional Conference on Tuesday through Thursday, November 18-20, 2007 at the Marriott in Indianapolis, IN.

 

23. Ashley Ernstberger requests permission to attend the Managing Disruptive Classroom Behavior Workshop on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at the Adams Mark in Indianapolis, IN.

 

24. Jan Morris requests permission to attend the Indiana Music Educators Convention on Wednesday through Sunday, January 17-20, 2008 at the Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.

 

25.  Chris Hannah requests permission to attend the Train the Trainers Workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, 2008 in Indianapolis, IN.

 

26. Chris Hannah requests permission to attend the Differentiating Instruction with Mastery Learning Workshop on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 in Indianapolis, IN.

 

27.  Katie Maine and Lauren Griffis request permission to take the U.S History Special Needs Class from Delta High School to the Hartford City Civil War Days on Friday, October 12, 2007 from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

 

28. Byron Banta requests permission to take the seventh grade class from Delta Middle School to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium on Friday, May 9, 2008 from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

 

The motion was approved unanimously.

 

E.     Information and Proposals

 

1.             Superintendent

 

a.      Early Graduation request

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the request by Kelsey Murray for early graduation as presented by Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

b.      2007 Corporation Enrollment

 

Superintendent Mapes informed the Board our total student enrollment is down from the 2006-2007 school year by 49 students.  A discussion followed regarding the ramifications of declining enrollment on our district.

 

c.       Financial Goals

 

Superintendent Mapes advised the Board part of a new requirement from the State is to establish expenditure goals for the 2007-2008 school year.  These goals will be published in January at the time of the annual report.

 

A motion was made by Norb Heban and seconded by Lisa Clawson to approve the Resolution for Expenditure Goals 2007-2008 as presented by Superintendent Mapes.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

2.            Assistant Superintendent

 

a.      Eaton Elementary School Title I High Performing Grant Award

 

Assistant Superintendent Hall informed the Board Eaton Elementary School has been awarded a high performing Title I grant of $12,000 as a part of being one of the top 10 performing Title I schools in the State of Indiana.  The Board congratulated Mrs. Hottinger and her staff on this achievement.

 

3.            Director of Maintenance

 

a.      DHS Phase II Project Update

 

Director of Maintenance, Barry Harris, advised the Board the Delta High School Phase II Project continues to move forward, but progress is very slow.  The completion deadline has been moved to around Thanksgiving.  The construction is being completed in accordance with the Fire Marshall’s instructions.

 

A discussion followed regarding the Board’s dissatisfaction with portions of the construction work and the options to fix the problems.

 

IX.              LETTERS/NOTES

 

A.     None

 

X.                 BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

 

Lisa Clawson – I would like to thank everyone for coming this evening.  Congratulations to Mrs. Hottinger and her staff.  Thank you to our entire Corporation for all the hard work in making our schools great.

 

John Adams – I would concur with my fellow Board member.  Thank you to Eaton for the good work.  It is good to see our Administrators here.  Bruce Wiemer, welcome to your first Board meeting.  Sheliah, it is also good to see you.  Everyone, keep up the good work.

 

Norb Heban – I would like to thank everyone for coming this evening.  Thank you to Mrs. Hottinger and her staff and teachers at Eaton Elementary School.  Thank you as well to Stan Daugherty for the great job of getting the coaches in for approval.  Thank you to our teachers for taking time to complete the field trip and meeting evaluations as they are very valuable to the Board.

 

Harry Fowler – Congratulations to Mrs. Hottinger and the staff at Eaton Elementary.  We appreciate that effort.  Bruce Wiemer, we appreciate you being here and all the other administrators as well.  Mr. Hinshaw, we are excited to be good hosts for the game this Friday night.

 

XI.              FUTURE MEETINGS

 

A.     The ISBA Fall Regional Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Welliver’s Smorgasbord in Hagerstown, Indiana with registration beginning at 6:00 p.m.

 

B.     By consensus of the Board, the next two Board meetings have been moved to accommodate various issues including Election Day and the Thanksgiving holiday.  The next meeting of the Board of School Trustees is now scheduled for Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building with one meeting in November scheduled for Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.

 

C.     The ISBA Current Issues in Special Education Seminar will be held on Monday, November 16, 2007 at the Marriott Hotel North in Indianapolis, IN.

 

XII.           ADJOURNMENT

 

A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lisa Clawson and Board President, Harry Fowler adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.

 

XIII.        An executive session was held following the business meeting on personnel matters.

 

 

HARRY FOWLER                                                                                                                           

 

NORB HEBAN                                                                                                                                

 

JOHN ADAMS                                                                                                                                 

 

LISA CLAWSON                                                                                                                             

 

SEAN BURCHAM