DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2016
6:30 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
MINUTES
Present: Adam Williams, President; Trent Fox, Vice President; John Adams, Secretary; Alice Gillis, Member; Tyce Stebbins, Member; Darin Gullion, Assistant Superintendent; and Reece Mann, Superintendent
I. CALL TO ORDER
At 6:30 p.m. Board President, Adam Williams, called the meeting to order.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. AMEND AGENDA
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to amend the agenda, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.
IV. MINUTES
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Alice Gillis to accept the minutes of the business meeting and executive session held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. The motion was approved unanimously.
V. FINANCE
A. A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to accept the list of vouchers, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously
B. Purchases over $7500:
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following (item 1):
1. School Messenger CP $8,967.00
The motion was approve unanimously.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 2):
2. Boyce/Keystone/Komputrol CP $15,275.00
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (item 3):
3. Barton-Coe-Vilamaa Construction Fund $60,000.00
The motion was approved unanimously.
C. A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Alice Gillis to cancel Delta High School outstanding checks, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.
D. A motion was made by Alice Gillis and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the Teacher Performance Grant, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.
VI. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Kelly Brown, Principal at Delta Middle School, stated the academic teams that started 2 weeks ago consists of 85 of their 611 students competing in 5 different areas. This is the largest number they’ve ever had. They don’t have enough bus space, but they are not making cuts and are letting everyone participate. She stated athletics have taken off this year. They had a 3 peat with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys’ basketball all winning county and 8th grade girls’ basketball winning county as well. Ms. Brown said the swim and wrestling teams are doing excellent and they still have 6th grade girls’ basketball going on as well. Ms. Brown focused on sportsmanship at their last sports banquet because it is phenomenal how their athletes are doing with sportsmanship. She said she credits a lot of that to the coaches. She thinks out of all of their teams this year, the majority of the coaches are teachers at Delta Middle School or a teacher in the corporation which is really neat.
Greg Kile, Principal at Eaton Elementary School, stated they are looking forward to their annual Daddy-Daughter Dance on Friday. This is a fun event for dads to get to do something special with their daughters. He stated the science fair just wrapped up and it was a hit again this year and he thanked Ms. Gillis for helping. He stated she gives them a lot of support and he appreciates that. Mr. Kile commented there are great projects and experiments and he’s looking forward to seeing how the kids do at regionals. He remembers they had a few kids go all the way to state last year. Mr. Kile is excited and looking forward to istep testing which is just around the corner. He stated they’ve been working really, really hard since the beginning of the year.
Brett Clark, Interim Athletic Director/Assistant Principal at Delta High School, stated great things are going on with Delta athletics right now. The freshmen boys’ basketball team is competing in the city tournament tonight against Yorktown. Senior night for basketball is this Friday night against Shelbyville. He stated it starts at 6:30 and they will honor the basketball players, cheerleaders, dance team, and band members between the JV and Varsity games. Mr. Clark let everyone know Tanner Lambert set a school record for nine for nine 3 pointers and a state record for best 3 point percentage in a game. Alexa Milholland was a sectional champ in swimming and set a new school record for the 500 free. He said being a sectional champion set her up to be qualified for the state finals where she competed at IUPUI last Friday night. He informed everyone that boys’ swimming start their competition Thursday at Jay County and have sectional finals on Saturday at Jay County High School. The wrestling team competed in semi-state last weekend and had 8 individuals who competed; Brock House, Noah Richardson, Sage Coy, Seth Fox, Jacob Gray, Brady Pease, Scottie Evans, and Ryan George. He wanted to give a shout out to the seniors that ended their season in a spectacular way making it to semi-state; Brock House, Seth Fox, and Ryan George. He stated they had two competitors that got put out that day; Brady Pease who is a freshman and Noah Richardson who is a junior and have three remaining; Sage Coy, Jacob Gray, and Scottie Evans. They qualified for state finals and will compete Friday night. If they win Friday night they will compete Saturday. Mr. Clark found out today we are in 2nd place in the HHC race and hopefully we can get more championships under our belt and get to that first place spot. He stated it’s been a great month for Delta High School athletics.
Chris Conley, Principal at Delta High School, stated we had some students compete in the vocal and piano solo ensemble contest two weekends ago. The following received a Gold Rating and will compete this Saturday in the state contest: Audree Speicher, Avery Langdon, Bryn Marlow, Courtney Welton, Hayley Greiner, Kelly Delisle, Shelby Crouse, Cade Orchard, Cameron Clevenger, and Patrick McDonald. He informed everyone Patrick sang a Mozart piece in German to win. He stated Audree Speicher, Hayley Greiner, Taylor Robinson, and Mary Hall were an ensemble that will move on. He congratulated all music students. Mr. Conley stated Friday of last week they had a fundraiser at Delta High School put on by Mrs. Ervin and Mrs. Lewman for one of our staff members who has some medical issues with their spouse. He stated over 70 people attended the movie night and they raised over $1500 just in that one evening. He said combined with what the staff has donated before last Friday, it is well over $3000 for that family and it is great people are willing to help out.
Jim Thompson, Delta Middle School Teacher, stated he’s known Mr. Overholt a long time. Mr. Overholt was an aide in his classroom and he comes from a quality family. He stated Mr. Overholt is Delta Football in his mind. He said not only what he did on the field, but returning to us as a coach this year, he’s seen him work with the people we love dearly, which is our children, especially our football team. He believes Mr. Overholt has every qualification to move forward and continue the success we’ve had, including becoming surrounded by people being of assistance to him if he’s open to help. Mr. Thompson stated Mr. Overholt will probably need help once in a while when people are barking at him about not being Zgunda or O’Shea and he’s not; he’s his own man and he wishes him the best of luck. Mr. Thompson congratulated Mr. Overholt and stated he has 100% of his backing.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Certified Staff
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (items 1-2):
1. Retirement of Carol Arms, Teacher at Delta Middle School, effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
2. Retirement of Janis Frederick, Teacher at Royerton Elementary School, effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
The motion was approved unanimously.
B. Classified Staff
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (item 1):
1. Retirement of Debbie Jacobs, Custodian at Royerton Elementary School, effective February 8, 2016.
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 2):
2. Resignation of Devin Scroggins, Instructional Assistant at Delta High School, effective February 5, 2016.
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 3):
3. Recommendation to employ Lauren Coffey as a Full Time Sub Bus Driver effective February 17, 2016, pending successful completion of all pre-employment screening process.
The motion was approved unanimously.
C. Extra-Curricular
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Trent Fox to approve the following (item 1):
1. Resignation of Doug Hazelrigg, Journalism Advisor at Delta Middle School, effective at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (item 2):
2. Recommendation to employ Mike Bauer as an Assistant Boys’ Soccer Coach at Delta High School effective February 16, 2016.
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following (items 3-4):
3. Recommendation to employ Christopher Overholt as a Head Football Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2016-17 school year.
4. Recommendation to employ Christopher Overholt as a Weight Room Supervisor at Delta High School effective for the 2016-17 school year.
The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (item 5):
5. Recommendation to employ Teresa Schwer as a Building Level Wellness Supervisor effective for the 2nd semester of the 2015-16 school year.
The motion was approved four in favor with Trent Fox abstaining.
D. Conference Requests/Field Trips
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the following (items 1-7):
1. Julie Brown and Scott Gard request permission to attend a meeting with Monroe Central, Randolph Southern, Lawrence, and DCSC to discuss 1:1 to be held on February 8, 2016 at Monroe Central School Corporation in Parker City, IN.
2. Darin Gullion, Scott Gard, Joey Gossett, Christy McGuire, Lance Brand, and Julie Brown request permission to attend 1:1 School visit to be held on February 11, 2016 at MSD Wayne Township in Indianapolis, IN.
3. Emily Tressler requests permission to attend the BSU Winter Conference to be held on February 19, 2016 at Ball State University in Muncie, IN.
4. Angela Decker, Nakkia Patrick, Chase Criswell, and Chris Overholt request permission to attend the Teaching with Primary Sources Workshop to be held on February 19, 2016 at IU East in Richmond, IN.
5. Reece Mann requests permission to attend District Administration Leadership-Superintendent Summit to be held from April 6, 2016 through April 9, 2016 at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO. (at no cost to the Corporation)
6. Daniel Kunz requests permission to attend the Great Lakes Athletic Training Association Conference to be held from March 9, 2016 through March 12, 2016 at the Westin Hotel in Wheeling, IL.
7. Hanna Kikendall requests permission to attend Introduction to Standards-based Grading to be held on April 5, 2016 at The Landmark Centre in Fort Wayne, IN.
The motion was approved unanimously.
E. Information and Proposals
1. Superintendent
a. A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the School Improvement Plans for DHS, DMS, RES, EES, and AES, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.
b. Superintendent Mann informed the Board of the following fundraisers:
1. Amy Fowler, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, requests permission to hold a food drive for local food pantries from March 7, 2016 through March 11, 2016, as presented.
2. Assistant Superintendent
a. Use of Facilities:
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following (items 1-6):
1. Karen Kirtley, FCCLA, requests permission to use the Delta Middle School FACS room, Cafeteria food line, and CL 36 on Friday’s and Saturday’s from February 5, 2016 through February 20, 2016 to hold FCCLA Leadership Workshops and Team Nutrition Grant Work, as presented.
2. David Bratton, Delta Little League, requests permission to use the Delta High School Auxiliary Gym on February 27, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to hold Little League open gym and assessment, as presented.
3. David Bratton, Delta Little League, requests permission to use the Delta High School Auxiliary Gym on March 5, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to hold Little League skills assessment, as presented.
4. Sherri Spay, Delta Girls’ Softball Association, requests permission to use the Royerton Elementary Teacher’s Lounge on March 9, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to hold a Board Meeting, as presented.
5. Debbie Eichhorn, Royerton Redbird Choir, requests permission to use the Royerton Gym on March 12, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to hold a guitar/instrument swap fundraiser, as presented.
6. Angie Jetmore, Albany Tri Kappa, requests permission to use the Albany Gym on April 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to hold annual bingo, as presented.
The motion was approved four in favor with Trent Fox abstaining from items 2 and 3.
b. Dr. Gullion informed the Board about the 1st Reading for the Policy on Materiality and Process for Reporting Material Items.
c. Dr.Gullion presented the 2015 Capital Projects Review.
d. A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by Alice Gillis to surplus bus number 0871 at Transportation, as presented. The motion was approved unanimously.
e. A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the Union Baptist Church donation to Delta High School. The motion was approved unanimously.
f. A motion was made by Trent Fox and seconded by John Adams to approve the donorschoose.org donation to Royerton Elementary School. The motion was approved unanimously.
VIII. LETTERS/NOTES
A. None.
IX. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Tyce Stebbins – Mr. Stebbins thanked Mrs. Arms, Mrs. Frederick, and Mrs. Jacobs for their service. He stated when individuals get to retirement age, he thinks it is much deserving and something to be proud of. He said it is really nice to hear about all the things going on in the buildings and he appreciates the principals bringing everything about their academic teams and extra-curricular activities to their attention. He stated it’s nice to hear all the positive stuff that is going on and it’s a breath of fresh air in today’s world. Mr. Stebbins stated some of them get a chance to go to certain events and are probably polarized to do different things their families are involved in, but it is nice to hear about all the other individuals as well. He appreciates hearing about sportsmanship. He said when you go to these events expecting to see this from student athletes and performances from anything to the science fair, academic teams, and music department, it is incredible and he thanked everyone that is involved in these activities. Mr. Stebbins welcomed Mr. Overholt and stated it’s nice when you hear so much about somebody that’s getting ready to take over. He wishes him the best of luck and obviously Delta Football has a fine spot in his heart. He stated they are excited and told Mr. Overholt not to forget why he likes football and the enjoyment factor of it. He said not to be afraid to lean on guys like Mr. Thompson for stuff occasionally. He stated they are excited for him and the program he will be running.
Alice Gillis – Mr. Gillis stated we have 17 students going to BSU Saturday for the science fair regionals. Representing Albany are 4th graders Erika Minard, Jacob Bilby, and Jared Tank and 3rd graders Adam Gillis and James Root. Representing Eaton are 4th graders Royce King, Hollis Klinger, and Delaney Garner and 5th graders Jackson King and Luke Williams. Representing Royerton are 3rd graders HunainMaqbool, 4th grader Abigail Lindburgh, and 5th graders Sophia Campbell, Zach Gullion, and Emily Hayes. Representing Delta Middle School is 6th grader Shelby Gillis and representing Delta High School is 10thgrader Jackson Boyle. Ms. Gillis wishes them the best of luck on Saturday. She stated it is very difficult to accomplish some of that work so she appreciates all the work they put into it. She commented the academic teams at the middle school is a good showing with 85 students. Ms. Gillis congratulated all the athletes at the high school and middle school for doing a great job. She welcomed Mr. Overholt and wished him good luck. She thanked Mrs. Fox in 10th grade English for the bulletin board in the board room.
John Adams – Mr. Adams concurred with his fellow board members. He wishes the wrestlers all the good luck in the world as they go for the state meet. He congratulated those that ended their season with a tremendous effort. He stated it’s nice to hear Mr. Clark, Mr. Conley, Mr. Kile, and Ms. Brown get up and talk about things that are going on in their buildings. He wouldn’t say it’s what we expect, but he guesses we do expect those things are happening and that’s why they do what they do for our children and he can’t thank them enough. Mr. Adams stated for those retiring, the years and time they’ve spent with our children has been fantastic. He stated he doesn’t know how the Teacher Grant works and how much each individual gets, but he’s glad that’s available. It’s another $107,000 that gets to be split amongst those that deserve it. Mr. Adams congratulated Mr. Overholt and wished him the best of luck. He will need to talk to him because the last 17 years Mr. Adams has been helping with stats. He stated Delta football is near and dear to his heart and he knows Mr. Overholt will do well. He let him know he is his own man, it is his team and to take it and do with it what he sees fit. Mr. Adam’s doesn’t think anybody can take over for Grant Zgunda and with the effort he’s put into the program, but that was during his tenure and now Mr. Overholt is going to start his and he wishes him nothing more than the best. Mr. Adams stated the generosity of our patrons and those around us that help and donate is a tremendous thing and he thanked everyone for that.
Trent Fox – Mr. Fox thanked everyone for coming. He stated it is always nice to look out and be able to see a room filled with people and to know there’s a sense out there that people care and have an interest in what we are doing and what’s going on. He stated what we are doing is trying to make things better for the kids in our system. He knows sometimes they are considered the bad guys, but we are all here for the same reason and that’s to help better our student body and to make them young adults when they go out into this world. He can’t say enough about all the staff, whether it be custodians, aides, or cooks, they all reach kids at some level or another. He thinks the senior class is going to be giving some money that will be nice to have recognized and he looks forward to that coming out. He stated most of our senior classes do this with money that is left over and you just look back and think we must have done something right with those kids as they were coming through the system that they felt obligated or wanted to give. Those are things that bring us here and allow us to keep doing what we are doing. Mr. Fox congratulated Mr. Overholt and he looks forward to many years of his service out there coaching on the sidelines and leading our young men. He stated it’s never been about winning or losing with him, it’s about developing and causing young men to grow up to be good adults within society and do the things that are right. He said he looks forward to those kinds of things and the examples Mr. Overholt will bring to them.
Adam Williams – Mr. Williams welcomed Mr. Overholt and thanked him for accepting the position and stepping into that role. He stated obviously there is a great weight on his shoulders, but he knows he will get through it. He let Mr. Overholt know he definitely has the Lord’s support and the Administration’s support and he looks forward to the many possibilities to come. He said in summary, when you look at all the things we are presenting and talking about, the huge percentage of people at the middle school participating in academic teams, the science fair projects, athletic events, wrestling, swimming, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, and diving, he thanked everyone for bringing that to his focus and attention. He loves seeing all the kids involved and the people stepping up and thanked everyone for being involved in those things and making those extra efforts that make the school district so great. Mr. Williams stated beyond looking at the list of Capital Projects, a lot of people with moving parts are involved in that. He noticed a theme of technology throughout the Capital Projects that got implemented. Mr. Williams thanked all the people involved in making that happen because it’s not something that happens easily and there are a lot of planning and steps involved in that. He said we are moving in the right direction and making good decisions. He appreciates everyone doing their very best with that.
FUTURE MEETINGS
A. A regular meeting for the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
X. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Trent Fox and Board President, Adam Williams, adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
An executive session was held immediately following the business meeting on personnel matters.
February 2, 2016
ADAM WILLIAMS ___________________________
TRENT FOX ____________________________
JOHN ADAMS ____________________________
ALICE GILLIS ____________________________
TYCE STEBBINS ____________________________