DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
6:30 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
MINUTES
Present: Trent Fox, President; John Adams, Vice President; Alice Gillis, Secretary; Tyce Stebbins, Member; Adam Williams, Member; Darin Gullion, Assistant Superintendent; and Reece Mann, Superintendent
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CALL TO ORDER
At 6:30 p.m. Board President, Trent Fox, called the meeting to order.
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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AMEND AGENDA
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to amend the agenda, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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MINUTES
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Adam Williams to accept the minutes of the business meeting and executive session held on Thursday, September 7, 2017. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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FINANCE
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A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Alice Gillis to accept the list of vouchers, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Purchases over $7500:
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following (item 1):
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Southworth Ford GF Sale price: $31,126.00
$25,326.00
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Adam Williams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following resolutions:
2018 Capital Projects Plan
2018-2029 Bus Replacement Plan
2018 Appropriations, Levies, and Tax Rate
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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GREG PRINCE RECOGNITION
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Sherri Spay, Delta Girls’ Softball Association, stated during construction, part of the fence was removed and they were told it would be replaced or put back up. She stated she was wondering if that was still on the agenda. She said they can’t lock their gate and there’s a need to lock it because a lot of people are coming in and dumping their trash and so forth. Mr. Mann informed her they have discussed it and are looking at possibly moving the fence up. She stated they were told they were supposed to get the millings from the pavement for their parking lot. Mr. Mann informed her he was not aware of that. Ms. Spay wanted to know if there are any plans to trim back some of the trees that are in the lights. She stated the other day when she was out there picking up branches that had fallen on the bleachers, there was a lot of dead in the trees and wanted to know if that would be looked at as well. Mr. Mann informed her to get a list together.
Christopher Conley, Principal at Delta High School, invited everyone to Friday night’s Homecoming game. He stated it won’t last until 11:30 like last week’s game did and should be a fun event. He informed everyone the Class of 2007 is coming back. He stated a lot of Homecoming activities are going on this week with the dance to follow so if any employees would like to chaperone, they are always looking for extra chaperones.
Doug Marshall, Principal at Delta Middle School, stated he would like to tag on to the chaperoning because the middle school will be having a dance before the game. He announced part of their 8th graders went to visit the Muncie Area Career Center today and the rest of them will be going on Thursday. He stated they had a great field trip. They had three sessions. The first session was to do a career inventory to see what kind of interest the students have and what careers they could be going in to. The second session was informing them about credits and diploma options at the high school level. The third session, the students took a tour of MAC and they let the students see what kind of opportunities they have. Mr. Marshall said it was a great day. He informed everyone they had several compliments from folks who did the sessions. They commented on how well-behaved our Delta students are and how they had great representation.
Joseph Schmaltz, Principal at Albany Elementary School, stated their Blizzard Beach Dance doesn’t happen until January, you can come, but you don’t need to chaperone. He stated he is pleased and happy to be here tonight with one of his employees who is retiring and a new employee he is adding. He stated it seems they’ve been adding a lot of people at Albany lately. He appreciates the support of the Board and he’s proud of what they’ve been doing at Albany. Mr. Schmaltz is sad to see the employee who is retiring go.
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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 Tyce Stebbins and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (item 1):
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Retirement of Les Coutinho, Custodian at Albany Elementary School, effective November 21, 2017.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
Mr. Coutinho wanted to thank Mr. Mann, Dr. Gullion, and the Board for giving him the opportunity to work for DelCom Schools the past 18 years. He thanked Kim Kemper and Lois Cole for helping with his retirement. He thanked the previous Board for hiring him, Mr. Gookins, Mr. Hall, Mr. Conley, Michelle Penrod, Chris Pyle, and Mr. Schmaltz. He stated they have been great to work for and he cannot forget the staff at Albany Elementary. Mr. Coutinho thanked everyone.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the following (items 2-4):
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Resignation of Bryon McQueen, Custodian at Delta High School, effective October 3, 2017.
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Resignation of Elizabeth Vermeulen, Instructional Assistant at Albany Elementary School, effective October 6, 2017.
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Resignation of Collen Delaney, Latchkey Supervisor at Eaton Elementary School, effective immediately.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by Adam Williams and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (items 5-7):
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Recommendation to transfer Stephanie Chalfant from Student Services Secretary to Student Services Secretary/Case Conference Secretary and increase hours from 28.75 to 40 hours per week, effective September 20, 2017.
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Recommendation to employ Bryttani Knight as a Latchkey Assistant effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Susan Zirkle as an Instructional Assistant at Albany Elementary School effective September 18, 2017, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Adam Williams to approve the following (items 1-9):
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Extra-Curricular
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Recommendation to employ Andrew Mahan as an Assistant Boys’ Freshmen Basketball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Gary Schliessman as a Head Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Jeff Pease as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Mark Foreman as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Davis Locke as an Assistant Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Laura Seibold-Caudill as a Head Boys’/Girls’ Swimming Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Mitch Prather as an Assistant Boys’/Girls’ Swimming Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Ashley Osterholt as a Fitness Club Director at Albany Elementary School effective for the 2017-18 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Sonia Smith as an Assistant Choir Director at Albany Elementary School effective for the 2017-18 school year.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the following (item 10):
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Recommendation to appoint Seth Fox as a Volunteer Wrestling Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2017-18 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
The motion was approved four in favor with Trent Fox abstaining.
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Conference Requests/Field Trips
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the following (items 1-20):
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Becky Stebbins requests permission to attend ACLS Recertification to be held on September 18, 2017 at Blackford Hospital in Hartford City, IN.
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Greg Kile, Lindsey Thompson, and Heather Spoljaric request permission to attend ISTEP Math Grades 6-8/Addressing the Need to Raise Scores to be held on September 29, 2017 at EIESC in Connersville, IN.
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Greg Kile, Lindsey Thompson, Audrey Young, Erica Pluimer, and Gary Seidner request permission to attend ISTEP Math Grade 10/Addressing the Need to Raise Scores to be held on October 2, 2017 at EIESC in Connersville, IN.
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Cindy Kunda requests permission to attend the ISFAA and IDOE Counselor Update Workshop to be held on October 4, 2017 at IUPUI in Indianapolis, IN.
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Julie Brown and Aaron Gordon request permission to attend School Accountability and Data Collection Training to be held on October 10, 2017 at Yorktown Middle School in Yorktown, IN.
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Reece Mann requests permission to attend the IASBO Principles of Education Seminar to be held on October 10, 2017 at the Primo Banquet and Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.
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Darin Gullion requests permission to attend the IASBO Fall Institute Leadership Seminar to be held on October 10, 2017 at the Primo Banquet and Conference Center in Indianapolis, IN.
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Becky Stebbins requests permission to attend PALS Recertification to be held on October 11, 2017 at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN.
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Cindy Kunda requests permission to attend the ISCA Conference to be held from November 2, 2017 through November 3, 2017 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.
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Linda Case requests permission to attend the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers’ Association Annual Conference to be held on November 3, 2017 at the Sheraton in Indianapolis, IN.
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Shayla Shirk, Todd White, Victoria Keesling, Elizabeth Thomas, Greg Kile, and Doug Marshall request permission to attend the Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics Fall Conference to be held from November 5, 2017 through November 6, 2017 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.
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Brittany Dominick and Elizabeth Lay request permission to attend the International Bullying Prevention Conference to be held from November 5, 2017 through November 7, 2017 at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN.
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Cindy Kunda requests permission to attend Parchment Connect 2017 to be held on November 8, 2017 at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis, IN.
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Curt Grams requests permission to attend the H.E.C.C. Conference to be held from November 8, 2017 through November 9, 2017 at the Crown Plaza in Indianapolis, IN.
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Cheryl Dominick and Adrienne Smith request permission to attend the School Financial Users Meeting to be held on November 9, 2017 at the Wabash Honeywell Center in Wabash, IN.
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Nakkia Patrick requests permission to attend the NCTE Annual Convention to be held from November 16, 2017 through November 19, 2017 in St. Louis, MO.
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Doug Marshall and Greg Kile request permission to attend the Fall Professionals Conference to be held from November 19, 2017 through November 21, 2017 at the Marriott in Indianapolis, IN.
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Brittany Dominick, Jennifer Case, Jennifer Conti, Anna Clark, Elizabeth Lay, and Cindy Kunda request permission to attend Mental Health Issues: Practical Strategies for Helping Children Succeed to be held on December 5, 2017 at the Marriott East in Indianapolis, IN.
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Chris Pyle requests permission to attend the IASBO Facilities Seminar and Expo to be held on September 27, 2017 at MSD Lawrence Township in Indianapolis, IN.
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Suzy Fox requests permission to attend the IDOE Literacy Framework Focus Group to be held on October 4, 2017 at Maple Crest Middle School in Kokomo, IN.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Information and Proposals
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Superintendent
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the DHS Volleyball Tournament, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by John Adams to approve the Delta High School Cheerleaders to move forward with the National Cheer Competition, contingent upon parent input, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Alice Gillis to approve the RES Camp Flat Rock Trip, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Adam Williams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the 2017-2019 Master Agreement Contract, as presented. The motion was approved four in favor with Trent Fox abstaining.
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Mr. Mann informed the Board about the following fundraisers:
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Dawn Raleigh, Delta Troupers, requests permission to sell ads from September 25, 2017 through November 3, 2017 at Delta High School, as presented. Proceeds go towards costuming, set design, cosmetic supplies, etc.
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Amy Lewman, DelCom Foundation Scholarship Committee, requests permission to collect $10.00 donations to wear jeans during College Go Week from September 25, 2017 through September 29, 2017, as presented. Proceeds go towards student scholarships for 2018 DHS Seniors.
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Preston Phillips, Delta Middle School, requests permission to hold dress up days from September 26, 2017 through September 28, 2017 at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards the Red Cross for hurricane relief.
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Jennifer Haley, DMS PTO, requests permission to hold a hat day on September 29, 2017 at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards funding PTO sponsored events and efforts.
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Angela Decker and Julie Whittington, DMS 6th/7th/8th Field Trips, request permission to sell t-shirts and sweatshirts from October 2, 2017 through October 6, 2017 and November 6, 2017 through November 10, 2017 at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards busing costs.
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Morgan Jones, DMS Field Trips, requests permission to hold a 5K Walk/Run on October 22, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards reducing field trip costs for students.
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Jennifer Haley, DMS PTO, requests permission to hold Write-a-Check Campaign from October 23, 2017 through November 11, 2017 at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards funding PTO sponsored events and efforts
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Marsha Virgin, DMS Student Council, requests permission to hold Socktober from October 23, 2017 through October 27, 2017 at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards the Muncie Mission and Better Way.
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Jill Selvey, DMS Media Center, requests permission to hold a Scholastic Book Fair from October 30, 2017 through November 3, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards Media Center Book Incentives for reading.
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Jennifer Haley, DMS PTO, requests permission to hold Penny Wars from November 13, 2017 through November 17, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Delta Middle School, as presented. Proceeds go towards funding PTO sponsored events and efforts.
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Assistant Superintendent
A motion was made by Tyce Stebbins and seconded by Adam Williams to approve the following (items 1-3):
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Use of Facilities:
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Seth Paul, Delta Baseball, requests permission to use the Delta High School Veterans’ Field and cages from September 25, 2017 through October 18, 2017 from 3:40 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to hold middle school hitting classes, as presented.
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Mark Detweiler, Boys’ Basketball, requests permission to use the Delta High School gymnasiums from October 13, 2017 through October 14, 2017 from 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to hold an overnight camp for grades 3-8, as presented.
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Anita Puglsey, DelCom 4-H Club, requests permission to use the Delta Middle School cafeteria from October 2017 through May 2017 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to hold 4-H Meetings, as presented.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins to approve the following (items b-c):
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Request for Royerton Elementary School to surplus items, as presented.
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Request for Delta Middle School to surplus items, as presented.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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LETTERS/NOTES
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BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Adam Williams – Mr. Williams thanked everyone for coming. He said it’s wonderful to see a nice crowd. He thanked Mr. Coutinho for his presentation and emotion with his retirement. Mr. Williams loves that our school district has employees who love and care about our kids. He stated he doesn’t know Mr. Coutinho, but he can tell he cares tremendously and brings great honor to what we try to do here. Mr. Williams thanked Mr. Coutinho for his time. He stated to the others who are retiring or taking different leaves, he appreciates their service as well. He loves when people choose to work for DelCom and appreciates the time they’ve given us. He informed everyone the girls’ golf team won sectional. He stated it’s the first time ever and that’s amazing. He wanted to bring them extra recognition for a great season and hopes it continues. Mr. Williams appreciates everyone’s work on the Master Contract Agreement. He stated formal bargaining could begin on September 15th and its September 19th. He said that shows the hard work and dedication everyone did informally. Thankfully it’s done and we’re able to offer some incentives to employees. He stated hopefully we can continue to reward teachers the best we can, be fiscally responsible to our tax payers, and reward the amazing people who work for us.
Tyce Stebbins – Mr. Stebbins thanked Mr. Coutinho for his service. He stated there are great teachers, people, and employees; but the difference, in his opinion, is when someone has a heart like that and it makes a good school a great community. He thinks we have a great community because of people like Mr. Coutinho. Mr. Stebbins stated on behalf of those who aren’t here tonight; the kids that attend Albany and their parents who are thankful, he thanked Mr. Coutinho on their behalf. Mr. Stebbins thinks the Master Agreement is a huge deal. He stated we’ve read so much in the paper about other schools, he thinks when it’s that quickly ratified, it speaks volumes about both parties being happy and hopes that is the case. He’s proud our teachers are happy with the Agreement and proud to be a part of the Board to work with the administration and know everybody is working together. He stated ever since he’s been on the Board, Mr. Prince has been helping out, not only with cross country, but a couple different avenues. He doesn’t want to steal Mr. Coutinho’s thunder, but stated when people reach out and help do things for our schools, that’s what makes us a community. Mr. Stebbins stated nobody asked Mr. Prince to do that and it probably wasn’t on the agenda, but Mr. Prince saw a need and felt like improving something and paying forward. Mr. Stebbins thanked Mr. Prince and his family for his time.
Alice Gillis – Ms. Gillis concurred with her fellow board members. She thanked Mr. Coutinho and appreciates the passion he has for his job. She said she learned a long time ago, having been a long time school employee, that the custodial crew was the best. She stated in a science area, you have to have custodians. You need to do a lot of PR with them so they can go in and check the incubator at 1:00 in the morning so she really knows how important he is. Ms. Gillis commented the girls’ golf team had a great season. She stated the Star Press was able to get the names correct so that was good. She thanked everyone for their cooperation with the Master Contract. She thanked Mr. Prince for his work on the cross country course.
John Adams – Mr. Adams stated he’s come to know Mr. Coutinho for a while now and he’s definitely going to be missed. He stated both of his daughters went through Albany and there wasn’t a time they didn’t talk about Mr. Coutinho at some point. Mr. Coutinho has done a tremendous job at Albany and Mr. Adams can’t thank him enough. Mr. Adams wished him the best of luck going into the next chapter of his life and hopes he enjoys and gets to do the things he wants to do. Mr. Adams thanked him for the time he’s spent with our kids and stated he greatly appreciates it. He thanked Mr. Prince for his efforts with the cross country course. He stated he has not seen it yet, but he intends to get out there and look at it and has no doubt it was greatly improved. He thanked Mr. Prince for the time and effort he put in to make it a better course for our kids. Mr. Adams thanked all new employees coming in or taking a different position and the ones who are leaving us. He stated whether they were here a week, month, ten years, twenty years; they’ve worked with our kids and staff at some point and thanked them for their time. Mr. Adams wished Ms. Juskevice all the best of luck and hopes it works out for the cheerleaders. He stated they have to look at things a little bit different and protect our families as best as they can. He agrees with Mr. Stebbins in regards to doing a poll with the parents and not putting any of them on the spot. He said it’s going to be a big undertaking, but he thinks she can handle it and wished her luck. He stated over the last several months Mr. Mann has informed them on different things being discussed with the Master Contract. He hopes there was 100% participation by all teachers. He feels this is about as good as they’ve been able to do in a long time with where we are financially. Mr. Adams thanked Mr. Mann, the teachers, and those on the committee for their time and effort.
Trent Fox – Mr. Fox thanked everyone for being here. He thanked Mr. Coutinho and informed him it’s an honor to have been able to see the work he’s put in at the school, for getting things done that help with our kids, and for allowing our teachers to do what they do. He thanked Mr. Prince for his service with the cross country course. He stated he will see him Thursday evening to help and set up the high school course. He thanked Mr. Prince for everything he’s done as far as the cross country programs go. He stated a lot of work and effort has gone into it and he knows both coaches have appreciated it. Mr. Fox stated it’s allowed us to do things with our kids that we couldn’t have done otherwise and he greatly appreciates it. Mr. Fox thanked the staff who put time and effort in the Master Contract because it takes a lot of work. He knows the end result happens quickly, but he greatly appreciates it. He’s pleased we were able to offer something positive. He stated in the past, we may not have been able to do that. He commented over the next few years, we can have some positives moving forward and hopefully going into the future as well. He stated they are hoping to set a trend and keep moving in that direction. Mr. Fox greatly appreciates the effort put in by all staff no matter if they were administration, teachers, or subs. He is honored to be able to sit up here and see things getting done for our kids. He stated the girls’ golf team winning sectional is one heck of an accomplishment and he’s glad it finally happened. He hopes it will be a trend.
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FUTURE MEETINGS
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The 2017 ISBA/IAPSS Fall Conference will be held from October 2, 2017 through October 3, 2017 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN.
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A regular meeting for the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
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An ISBA Fall Regional Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 18, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Willie and Red’s in Hagerstown, IN.
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ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Tyce Stebbins and Board President, Trent Fox, adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
September 19, 2017
TRENT FOX ___________________________
JOHN ADAMS ____________________________
ALICE GILLIS ____________________________
TYCE STEBBINS ____________________________
ADAM WILLIAMS ____________________________