DELAWARE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021
6:30 p.m.
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
MINUTES
Present: Trent Fox, President; Lance Engle, Vice President; Jacob Case, Secretary; John Adams, 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 THE AGENDA
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case to amend the agenda, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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MINUTES
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Adam Williams to accept the minutes of the business meeting and executive session held on Monday, June 28, 2021. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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FINANCE
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case 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 Adam Williams to approve the following (items 1-6):
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Intrado OP $8,967.00
(School Messenger Renewal)
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LHP Music, Inc. BBF MB/ESSER III $18,037.00
(Marching Band)
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LTB Construction RD $38,600.00
(RES asphalt resealing)
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Equitable Education Solutions ESSER III $40,000.00
(Professional Development Services)
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CIESC ESSER III $80,600.00
(Math Professional Development)
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E Solutions ESSER II $115,133.00
(EES Controls)
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Jacob Case to approve Form 9, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Dr. Gullion gave a Monthly Finance Review, as presented.
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Scott Blakely, Eaton Elementary Principal, stated he’s pleased to present instructional assistants to go through tonight, pending approval. He introduced Ms. Lankford who is a parent of several students at Eaton and stated he’s excited to have her. He stated he stole Ms. Spiker from Blackford County Schools and he’s glad to have her. He thinks he has a couple great candidates and has another one who could not be here tonight, Ms. Lavin.
Haley Cross, Food Service Director, stated they have been serving meals curbside at all elementary schools. She informed everyone they have served over 18,000 meals so far. She stated she was looking at numbers from previous years and they are on track to serve more meals than what they typically do. She stated Eaton and Albany are doing at least 100 meals a day and Royerton has Latchkey so they are around 150 per day. She said July is usually a slower month, but it hasn’t been and her staff is continuing to work hard. She commented she’s really proud of them for the work they have done. She has called many people to come in to work that weren’t scheduled and they do a good job of dropping what they are doing to come in.
Christopher Conley, Delta High School Principal, stated he has three employees he hopes will be approved tonight. He introduced Mr. Wilburn, who he hopes will be approved as a PE teacher and head baseball coach. He stated they also have an athletic secretary on the agenda, Ms. Donham, who they are stealing from a local district and who has quite an extensive background in athletics. He said and proving he isn’t too good to steal from our own, Ms. Rees will transfer from food service to the treasurer position. He stated as administrative staff at the high school, they appreciate support from the Board and Central Office staff with the contract extensions and raise. He stated Ms. Gossett, being the kind person she is, made sure they all had cards tonight.
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NEW BUSINESS
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Certified Staff
A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the following (items 1-2):
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Resignation of Ashtyn Rastetter, Teacher at Delta Middle School, effective immediately.
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Resignation of Bryan Jackson, Teacher at Eaton Elementary School, effective immediately.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the following (items 3-4):
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Recommendation to employ Jessica Papandria as a Teacher at Delta Middle School effective August 2, 2021.
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Recommendation to employ Devin Wilburn as a Teacher at Delta High School effective August 2, 2021, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Classified Staff
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Adam Williams to approve the following (items 1-6):
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Resignation of Jennifer Carrier, Treasurer at Delta High School, effective July 16, 2021.
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Resignation of Kaitlyn Kennedy, Athletic Secretary at Delta High School, effective June 29, 2021.
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Resignation of Brittany Clements, Instructional Assistant at Delta Middle School, effective immediately.
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Resignation of Lori Paskiewicz, Instructional Assistant at Eaton Elementary School, effective immediately.
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Resignation of Tracey Murphy, Food Service Assistant Manager at Delta High School, effective immediately.
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Resignation of Gavin Wilson, Latchkey Assistant Supervisor, effective July 30, 2021.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the following (items 7-16):
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Recommendation to employ Kim Kemper as a Corporation Secretary at Central Office effective July 20, 2021.
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Recommendation to employ Rhonda Donham as an Athletic Secretary at Delta High School effective immediately, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Rhea Lankford as an Instructional Assistant at Eaton Elementary School effective August 2, 2021, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Rustina Spiker as an Instructional Assistant at Eaton Elementary School effective August 2, 2021, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Autumn Lavin as an Instructional Assistant at Eaton Elementary School effective August 2, 2021, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Lisa Strouse as a Latchkey Supervisor effective July 20, 2021, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to transfer Heather Crow from a Food Service Cook at Eaton Elementary School to Delta Middle School effective August 2, 2021.
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Recommendation to transfer Beth Rees from a Food Service Secretary to a Treasurer at Delta High School effective immediately.
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Recommendation to transfer Johnna Davenport from a Food Service Assistant Manager at Royerton Elementary School to Delta High School effective August 16, 2021.
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Approval of Bus Drivers and Bus Aides, as presented.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Extra-Curricular
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Adam Williams to approve the following (item 1):
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Resignation of Ashtyn Rastetter, 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach at Delta Middle School, effective immediately.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by John Adams to approve the following (items 2-11):
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Recommendation to employ Devin Wilburn as a Head Baseball Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2021-22 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Tate Dishman as an Assistant Tennis Coach at Delta High School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Whitney Powell as a 7th Grade Volleyball Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Mary Banning as an Assistant Coed Cross Country Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year, pending successful completion of all pre-employment testing.
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Recommendation to employ Mason Turner as a Boys’ Soccer Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to employ Nakkia Jester as an English Department Chair at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to transfer Jordan Baldwin from a 7th Grade Head Football Coach to an 8th Grade Head Football Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to transfer Matthew Grasso as a 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach to an 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to transfer Andrew Jeffers from an 8th Grade Assistant Football Coach to a 7th Grade Head Football Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
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Recommendation to transfer Braxton Edwards from an 8th Grade Volunteer Assistant Football Coach to a 7th Grade Assistant Football Coach at Delta Middle School effective for the 2021-22 school year.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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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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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by John Adams to approve the Classified Corporation Benefit, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the review of the Teacher Appreciation Grant. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve Scott Blakely as Safe Schools Specialist, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the DHS Boys’ Tennis Invitational, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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Hearing on ESSER III Reopening Plan. Mr. Fox, Board President, asked for public comments, no comments were received. A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by John Adams to approve the ESSER III Reopening Plan, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by Adam Williams to approve permission to hire, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve Superintendent Reece Mann’s Medical Leave of Absence, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote. A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Adam Williams to approve Superintendent Reece Mann to use any remaining sick, personal, and vacation days and to continue insurance coverage while on disability, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote. A motion was made by Jacob Case and seconded by Lance Engle to name Greg Kile as Interim Superintendent, as presented. The motion was approved four in favor with Trent Fox opposing.
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Superintendent Mann informed the Board about the following fundraisers:
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None.
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Assistant Superintendent
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Use Of Facilities:
A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the following (items 1-2):
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Request for Willie Gholar, Gholar and Gholar Funeral Service, to use the Delta High School gymnasium from July 9, 2021 through July 10, 2021 to hold a Funeral Service, as presented.
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Request for Matt Pannell, 10U Longhorns, to use the Royerton baseball and softball fields from July 28, 2021 through July 30, 2021 to hold baseball skills assessments, pending Certificate of Liability Insurance Form.
The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Adam Williams and seconded by Jacob Case to approve the request for Delaware Community School Corporation to accept the donation of Clorox wipes from Classroom Connections, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by John Adams to approve the request for the Delta High School Class of 2025 to accept a donation in the amount of $1,355.57 from the DHS Class of 2021, as presented. The motion was approved 5-0 vote.
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A motion was made by John Adams and seconded by Lance Engle to approve the 2021-22 Adult Meal Prices, 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 stated with kids having summer workouts, football, cross country, tennis, the parking lots are all freshened up, buildings are ready to go, full board room tonight, makes him hope everyone is excited for the new school year coming up. He stated it won’t be normal, but they are hoping it’s more normal. He thanked Mr. Mann for all he’s done for our school district with his vision, leadership, and determination. He stated he is praying for his health and family.
John Adams – Mr. Adams thanked everyone for coming. He stated it’s good to see the new baseball coach and new people coming to our school district. He thanked those who have left and stated they all have had an impact on our kids at some point. He asked Ms. Cross to tell her team thank you and stated he knows that’s a big undertaking. He commented in the world we are in today, when you call someone and they step up and do what you ask, that is a tribute to Ms. Cross’s leadership and it’s well noted that her staff is wanting to take care of kids and that’s why we are all here. He informed Mr. Mann we will miss him, God has a bigger plan, and he can’t wait to see his return and to enjoy his family. He stated Mr. Mann has handled a lot of changes, had great leadership, and that we will be just fine. He stated he’s set us on a path, we have a vision, and we are going to move it forward. He thanked him for his time and asked him to stay in touch. He informed Mr. Mann to tell his family we love them and we love him too. He informed Mr. Kile he’s got some things to do as acting Superintendent and knows that’s not something Mr. Kile or any of them had planned, given the situation. He thanked him and stated we will keep moving this ship along.
Jacob Case – Mr. Case thanked everyone for coming. He thanked everyone who has resigned or left for all the work they’ve done. He thanked Ms. Cross and her staff and stated 18,000 meals is a lot of food. He thanked Mr. Kile for stepping up and taking on this challenge and stated he appreciates it. He thanked Mr. Mann for everything.
Lance Engle – Mr. Engle concurred with his fellow board members. He thanked everyone for being here, those resigning, and welcomed all new staff. He informed Mr. Mann it’s been a great three years serving on the Board with him. He stated his handprints are all over this corporation from all the improvements, friendships, and relationships. He stated he has a new friend in the few years he’s been here and he wholeheartedly appreciates him and wishes it was under better circumstances. He stated this is not a goodbye, but a see you later. He welcomed Mr. Kile and thanked him for stepping up.
Trent Fox – Mr. Fox thanked everyone for being here. He stated tonight is a little different with Mr. Mann and stated he appreciates everyone and obviously it’s been good with a lot of nice additions and changes. He stated we know the vision as far as where we were going and where that needs to go. He stated we will continue to work towards that plan and have this corporation grow and do the things that need to be done to make our students better because that’s what it’s all about. He stated we love Mr. Mann’s family and will see them through it. He’s looking forward to Mr. Kile moving us forward and getting us where we need to be and thanked him for taking this on. He stated we’ll work through it and get through it all. He thanked Ms. Cross for all the news and informed her to let her staff know they appreciate all the work this summer. He hopes everyone enjoys the last few weeks and enjoys their families.
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FUTURE MEETINGS
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The Delaware Community School Corporation “Opening Day” meeting will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. at Delta High School.
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A regular meeting for the Board of School Trustees is scheduled for Monday, August 2, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at the Administration Building.
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ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Lance Engle and seconded by John Adams and Board President, Trent Fox, adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
A DHS Building Tour was held following the business meeting.
July 19, 2021
TRENT FOX
LANCE ENGLE
JACOB CASE
JOHN ADAMS
ADAM WILLIAMS