DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
6:30 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
MINUTES
Present: Adam Williams, President; Trent Fox, Vice President; Lance Engle, Secretary; Jacob Case, Member; Darin Gullion, Assistant Superintendent; and Reece Mann, Superintendent
Absent: John Adams, Member
An executive session was held at 6:00 p.m. at the Administration Building.
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CALL TO ORDER
At 6:33 p.m. Board President, Adam Williams, called the meeting to order.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE (Recess Meeting)
President Williams recessed the regular business meeting to hold a Public Hearing. Dr. Gullion, Assistant Superintendent, explained the purpose of the hearing and asked for public comments on the following:
2021 Budgets
2021-2023 Capital Projects plan
2021-2032 Bus Replacement plan
No comments were received. A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle and President Williams closed the hearing and resumed the regular business meeting. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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AMEND AGENDA
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to amend the agenda, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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MINUTES
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Trent Fox to accept the minutes of the business meeting and executive session held on Monday, August 17, 2020. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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FINANCE
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A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to accept the list of vouchers, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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Purchases over $7500:
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 1):
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Indiana Virtual Academy EDU/TBR/ $101,080.00
Title IV
(Grades 7-12 virtual student course enrollment)
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the following Adopt Resolutions:
Resolution to Reduce 2020 Appropriations
Resolution to Transfer Rainy Day Fund
Resolution to Expend Rainy Day Funds
Resolution for Rainy Day Fund
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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Dr. Gullion, Assistant Superintendent, gave a Monthly Finance Review.
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Doug Marshall, Delta Middle School Principal, thanked the Board and Mr. Mann for adding a safer entrance to the middle school, new special needs classrooms, and all the other touches that were done. He informed everyone the building looks great, they are enjoying it, and it’s been a great addition.
Ryan Parrott, Royerton Elementary Assistant Principal, stated their safer entrance has been completed, looks really nice, and helps with the flow of traffic in the mornings. He stated he’s been working with Mr. Kile on the K-6 virtual program and things have been interesting and fun. He stated they have five teachers who are doing a fantastic job and wanted to give them shout-out. He stated they are working hard and coming up with neat solutions to problems they didn’t know they were going to have.
Ron Curry, Delta High School Teacher, stated last week when he came down to eat lunch, he looked into the lunch room and saw Mr. Kile, Mr. Mann, Dr. Gullion, and Mr. Conley serving lunches. He was totally blown away by the leadership those gentlemen demonstrated that day. He stated he was very impressed with our leaders and appreciates how much they do. He stated that was a small token of what all they do, but when you have people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and do what needs to be done, he can’t help but be impressed by that. He thanked the Board for supporting administration and teachers.
Michael Thorpe, Parent, thanked everyone for their efforts and what they’ve done with the Covid crisis. He stated the CDC Guidelines and definition of a fever is 100.4 and the last he saw, the guidelines for DelCom is 99.6. He stated he understands we get suggestions from the Board of Health, but if they are giving us numbers that are not in line with National Guidelines then we should start pushing back and asking bigger questions as to why they have those recommendations. He stated he’s a physician and has offered his own services to DelCom as a liaison as they move forward and try to understand the differences. He stated some of the data coming out has pointed to many different risks of dying from Covid and there are very low risks of children who are in our responsibility to suffer any major effects from Covid. He stated he has a concern about a decision that was made for middle school cross country not being sent to any of the invitationals. He stated the high school just went to an invitational, but the middle school kids were not sent to it. He stated if the high school kids can do it, the middle school kids can do it because he doesn’t see a difference. He stated if there is ever a sport for social distancing, it’s cross country and we have football with a lot of people in the stadium and yes they are social distancing, but you have a lot of people there. He stated it’s a concern a decision like that would be made and causing an impact on the middle school kids opposed to having the same opportunity for the high school kids. He appreciates everyone’s time and what they’ve done and stated it’s fantastic to hear administrators are helping serve food because that shows great leadership.
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NEW BUSINESS
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Certified Staff
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None.
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Classified Staff
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the following (items 1-2):
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Resignation of Contessa Stilts, Latchkey Assistant Supervisor at Albany Elementary School, effective August 7, 2020.
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Resignation of Linda Avey, Latchkey Aide at Albany Elementary School, effective August 7, 2020.
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the following (items 3-7):
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Recommendation to employ Marlee Small as an Instructional Assistant at Eaton Elementary School effective September 14, 2020, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Grace Wagner as a Latchkey Assistant effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Kennedy Edwards as a Latchkey Assistant effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Erin Wirt as a Latchkey Intern effective immediately.
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Recommendation to employ Kaitlyn Kennedy as a Secretary at Delta High School effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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Extra-Curricular
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 1):
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Resignation of Adrianne Wingler, Assistant Band Director at Delta High School, effective immediately.
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the following (items 2-7):
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Recommendation to employ Jonie Crawford as an Assistant Band Director at Delta High School effective for the 2020-21 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Jonie Crawford as a Percussion Instructor at Delta High School effective for the 2020-21 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Camryn Campbell as an Assistant Volleyball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2020-21 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Maddie Fox as an Academic Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2020-21 school year.
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Recommendation to appoint Ryan Buckner as a Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Soccer Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2020-21 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Joe Mosier as an Interim Head Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
The motion was approved three in favor with Trent Fox abstaining.
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Conference Requests/Field Trips
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None.
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Information and Proposals
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Superintendent
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Mr. Mann informed the Board about NEOLA Policy 2370.05 (Virtual Education Program)- 1st Reading.
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A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the rejection of NEOLA Policy 8450.01 (Protective Facial Coverings), as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the Teacher Appreciation Grants Policy 3220.01, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to approve Option B for the 2020-21 School Year Calendar, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the Teacher Evaluation Performance Rubric, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the School Daily Schedule, as presented. The motion was approved three in favor with Trent Fox opposing.
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Mr. Mann informed the Board about the following fundraisers:
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Joe Schmaltz, Albany Elementary PTO, requests permission to sell Abby Candles from September 14, 2020 through
September 25, 2020, as presented. Proceeds go towards PTO student activities/events.
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Andy Lewman, Delta Girls’ Basketball, requests permission to hold a fundraiser honoring Christy Bilby’s family on January 26, 2021, as presented. Proceeds go towards the scholarship fund for the Bilby family.
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Andy Lewman, Delta Girls’ Basketball, requests permission to hold a Go Fund Me Sports Fundraiser, as presented. Proceeds go towards the girls’ basketball program.
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Lynde Bratton, DHS Cheer, requests permission to sell yard signs from September 10, 2020 through September 21, 2020, as presented. Proceeds go towards cheer boosters, competitions, cheer activities, etc.
2. Assistant Superintendent
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Use of Facilities:
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Trent Fox to approve Curt Howard, Metro Football, requesting permission to use the Delta High School football field and Royerton Elementary to hold Metro Football from August 22, 2020 through October 31, 2o2o, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the 125 Flexible Benefit Plan Adoption Agreement, as presented. The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the following (items c-d):
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Request for Delta High School FFA to accept a donation in the amount of $50.00 from Kathy Torrance, as presented.
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Request for Delta High School FFA to accept a donation in the amount of $375.00 from the Delaware County 4-H Clubs, as presented.
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (items e-f):
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Request for Delta Middle School to surplus items, as presented.
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Request for Royerton Elementary School to surplus items, as presented.
The motion was approved 4-0 vote.
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LETTERS/NOTES
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BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Trent Fox – Mr. Fox appreciates Mr. Thorpe coming in and giving information. He stated he knows it’s tough certain things have been cancelled and he hates that for kids, but we are all dealing with different things that get changed and moved and they are trying to make it work the best they can. He informed everyone he voted no for the Hybrid Schedule and it wasn’t because of the schedule itself, he feels there hasn’t been enough information given to families to give them a heads up that this is coming. He wishes we could have waited a week or two to get information out to parents and gotten feedback to see where they stand with it. He understands what the goal is and what it’s supposed to do from that standpoint. He knows there are a lot of teachers who will be appreciative of it, but some will not because they are getting less time with the kids in person and to some, that’s a huge value to them for being in person and instructing them. He stated donations help out the different programs when they come through and he appreciates those. He stated some things have been heavy on his mind and he has a sort of challenge for all of us that comes from a leadership book he’s been reading. He stated there has been a lot going on and a lot of stressors for everyone. He feels some of these things are important to think about while you have staff in front of you and to show some encouragement to them. He read the following: “To encourage the heart, you must overrate the values and victories by creating a spirit of community. This means you must find and also create occasions to bring people together to publicly celebrate accomplishments. Take actions that demonstrate that you have peoples back and ensure they feel part of the whole. Take a portion of your work environment and laugh and enjoy yourself along with others. Get personally involved in as many recognitions and celebrations as possible. Show you care by being physical in the tough times. Never pass up an opportunity to relate publicly true stories about how people in your organization went above and beyond the call of duty. Count on your celebrations and look as well for spontaneous opportunities to link shared values with victories.” He stated the reason this hit him, with everything that’s going on, he thinks we’re struggling to get through and sometimes we forget we need to have those encouragements and values. He stated if somebody does something great, let them know, send it out to them, and be encouraging. He stated sometimes it’s easier to be on the negative side and tell people what they do wrong because that’s the easiest thing to do, but point out something that someone did that’s above and beyond, which is a lot of what’s going on right now. He stated he applauds everyone in this room for everything they’ve been doing. He can’t imagine and wouldn’t want to deal with it every single day. He truly feels we are at a point where this kind of recognition and opportunities to make our staff feel some kind of love or compassion from us as a group is well needed. He stated when we go home, there’s still the same stress regardless of what we are doing with this whole pandemic thing. He stated it doesn’t seem to be going away as soon as we thought or hoped it would. He stated he’s challenging everyone to continue to find ways to be positive and reach out to those around us that we work with closely and make sure they know everything they’re doing is a value to all of us. He thinks it will do a lot of good for all of our students involved and that will then roll right into the classrooms and to the kids and will cause a positive environment for everyone involved.
Lance Engle – Mr. Engle thanked everyone for being here. He hopes everyone enjoyed the break and stated it was much needed for a lot of people. He stated the elementary teachers have been going full force since the start of the school year. He stated we’ve changed the calendar again and this is probably more of a permanent change that will be set in stone, but you never know. He stated with the Hybrid Schedule, there will be push back and people who it’s not going to work out well for. He stated we’ve got to do something and that’s why he approved it because it’s probably the best case scenario. He stated it seems like everyone including administration and teachers are on board with this one. He stated it’s the best way to keep us face-to-face and going every day and helps the quarantined kids get better instruction through our eLearning process. He thanked Mr. Parrott for the evaluation information and appreciates the efforts in getting that put together. He stated he’s glad we’re doing an eLearning week this week and thinks it’s good for everyone so they can take a breath and get ready for next week and see what Monday brings.
Jacob Case – Mr. Case thanked everyone for being here and for their hard work to keep the schools going face-to-face as long as we can. He thanked everyone who served lunch at the high school and would love to see pictures. He stated they did change the schedule and hopefully this will be more permanent and they don’t have families who were taking breaks or days during the time it was supposed to be eLearning so we don’t have kids missing out. He stated changing the school day was something that was needed and wished we had a little more time to prepare families. He stated we have to look at what’s good for the whole school, kids who are supposed to quarantine need an education and teachers need time to put stuff out there for them with lesson plans. He stated he hopes this whole pandemic goes away sooner rather than later so the whole country figures out what to do. He stated it is a tough situation for everyone and thanked everyone on the front lines dealing with it daily.
Adam Williams – Mr. Williams concurred with his fellow board members. He stated this is all new for everyone and people are making decisions the best they can. He stated they are trying to find a solution that seems to fit the best scenario possible. He stated nothing is going to be perfect because this is a very imperfect situation we’ve all been forced into. He appreciates Mr. Thorpe coming tonight and stated the school and Board do answer to other agencies who are setting standards that we are trying to comply with. He stated we can have discussions with those agencies, but ultimately schools don’t get to set every health decision, that’s not their position. He stated schools go to the health departments for those guidelines and they are trying their best to comply with this weird obscure world we are living in now. He appreciates the thoughts and Mr. Thorpe’s discussions. Mr. Williams hopes Mr. Thorpe takes those discussions to the health department and to that next level. He stated he seems to have knowledge and Mr. Williams appreciates his thoughts and sharing that. He stated he can’t say enough how much he appreciates what everyone has been doing. He doesn’t see the day to day heroic actions administrators, teachers, and staff are doing above and beyond in these crazy circumstances. He stated he knows so much is unseen and wishes they could highlight as many super stars as they can. He encourages people like Mr. Curry who brought the story about administration serving lunch. He stated they did hear a little bit about it, but his version was much better. He stated to grasp on to those things and bring them here so they can share that with people who read the minutes so they can make sure everyone understands there are wonderful things happening.
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FUTURE MEETINGS
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A Budget Adoption Hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
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A regular meeting for the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2020 immediately following the Budget Adoption Hearing.
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ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Lance Engle and Board President, Adam Williams, adjourned the meeting at 7:55 p.m.
September 10, 2020
ADAM WILLIAMS __________________________
TRENT FOX __________________________
LANCE ENGLE ___________________________
JACOB CASE ___________________________
JOHN ADAMS ___________________________