SHOALS COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES DECEMBER 13, 2012 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Tony Cundiff, Board President at 5:14 p.m. The following Board members were present: Tony Cundiff, President; Mary Lou Billings, Vice President; Denise Garrett, Secretary; Christy Farhar and Bill Shobe, Members. Also present were Dr. Joan L. Keller, Superintendent; Candace Roush, Jr. Sr. High School Principal; Austin Malone, Elementary Principal; Andrea Qualkenbush, Corporation Secretary; Stephen Deckard, representing The Shoals News; Judith Montgomery; Travis Roush, Jim Johnson, Mike Newland, Larry Sherfick, Linda Sherfick, Melissa Moffatt, Lorna Troutman, Angela Cook, Ann Stewart, Norma Baker, and Debbie Asbell. The following business was conducted by the Board: 2. Approval of Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on November 8, 2012 was given by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was 3. Comments from Patrons Concerning Items on the Agenda: Melissa Moffatt and James Moffatt addressed the Board with their concerns about the Algebra 1 program. Mrs. Moffatt shared information about several remediation resources that are available to students. The Moffatt's requested that the test weight in the Algebra I course be decreased from the current 70% of the total grade points. Candace Roush, Jr. Sr. High School Principal, responded to the Moffatt's concerns. Mrs. Roush explained changes to the Algebra curriculum this school year. She stated that she supported leaving the test weight in Algebra I at the current 70% because it gives an accurate assessment of the students understanding of the subject matter being taught rather than allowing a student to pass the course based on homework scores. Mrs. Roush said she felt it was important to be certain that a student has fully mastered one concept before moving on to the next. Ann Stewart gave an update on the Angel Tree Christmas Program. She reported that they anticipate providing Christmas gifts to 147 local children this year. 4. New Business: A. Resolution for Transfer of Funds Superintendent Keller recommended the Board give permission for the corporation treasurer to transfer funds from or within the general fund to any fund in need of cash until money is received from our county allocation. Any money transferred from the general fund will be returned to the general fund upon receipt of the county money. A motion to approve
the Resolution for Transfer of Funds was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was B. Resolution to Pre-Write Claims to Close Out 2012 Books Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a resolution to allow the corporation treasurer to pay any bills that come in after the December Board meeting. The bills paid during that time will be brought to the Board at the January meeting. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was C. Resolution to Transfer Appropriation Balances to Close Out 2012 Books Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a resolution to allow the corporation treasurer to transfer appropriation balances within funds in order to close out the 2012 books. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Bill Shobe, and a 5-0 vote was D. First Reading of Board Policy 5414 Overtime The Board held a first reading of Board Policy 5414 regarding employee overtime. Superintendent Keller reviewed the policy with the Board and told them to contact her if they have any questions or concerns about the policy. A second reading will be held at the January 10, 2013 Board meeting. E. Re-Appointment of Liz Chattin to Shoals Public Library Board Superintendent Keller recommended the Board re-appoint Liz Chattin to the Shoals Public Library Board for another 4 year term ending in 2016. A motion to approve the appointment was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was F. Personnel Actions Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a medical leave request from Julia Sanders. A motion to approve the leave was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Mary Lou Billings, and a 5-0 vote was G. Fund Raiser Applications Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve the following fund raisers: -The Dance Team held a ham and bean soup dinner prior to the boys varsity basketball game on 11/30/12 -The Dance Team requests permission to sell pizza and drinks before the girls varsity basketball game on 1/10/13 2
-The Jr. High Volleyball Team requests permission to sell chili soup and drinks before the girls varsity basketball game on 1/28/13 -The Pep Club requests permission to sell homemade bracelets at home basketball games -The Pep Club requests permission to have a bake sale at school during the week prior to Christmas break -Junior Class Post Prom Committee requests permission to sell t-shirts to students in kindergarten through 11th grade A motion to approve the above listed fund raisers was made by Bill Shobe, seconded by Mary Lou Billings, and a 5-0 vote was H. Facility Usage Requests Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve an agreement with The American Red Cross to use our facilities as an emergency shelter in the event of a disaster. A motion to approve was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a facility usage request from Vincennes University to hold lifetime fitness classes here during the second semester of 2012-13 with all fees waived. A motion to approve the request was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Mary Lou Billings, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a facility usage request from Mike Newland representing In His Hands Daycare to use our gymnasium to hold a Harlam Wizards basketball game on April 15, 2013 with all fees waived. A motion to approve the request was made by Bill Shobe, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was I. Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance Renewal Superintendent Keller reviewed the details of the health, dental, and vision insurance plans for the 2013 plan year. She explained that the teachers' association had reviewed the plan detail and approved continuing to offer both the traditional low deductible PPO plan and the high deductible plan with the health savings account (HSA) component through Anthem Insurance. A motion to approve the renewal for the 2013 plan year was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was J. Acceptance of K-2 Literacy Grant Superintendent Keller recommended the Board accept a $10,000 K-2 Literacy Grant that we have been awarded for the purchase of books for the elementary library and teacher development. A motion to accept the grant was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was 3
K. 403(b) Amendment to Plan Superintendent Keller explained that the IRS is requiring an amendment to 403(b) plans to reflect an election that vendors had as to how they would treat a change in the minimum distribution requirements. A motion to approve the 403(b) plan amendment was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Mary Lou Billings, and a 5-0 vote was L. First Reading of Bus Driver Handbook The Board held a first reading of the bus driver handbook. Superintendent Keller reviewed some details of the handbook and asked that the Board contact her with any questions or concerns. A second reading will be held at the January 10, 2013 Board meeting. 5. Items After 4:00 Friday: Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve Joe Cummings and Kelsey Hardwick to serve as substitute teachers during the 2012-13 school year. A motion to approve Mr. Cummings and Miss Hardwick was made by Christy Farhar, seconded by Bill Shobe, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller requested permission from the Board to apply for the Innovation Grant and Excellence and Performance Awards for Teachers Grant. They are both offered through the Indiana Department of Education. A motion to apply for both grants was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve Mr. Gee's Freshman literature class to take a field trip to Bedford to watch a movie on Saturday, January 19, 2013. A motion to approve the trip was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller recommended the Board accept a $75.00 donation to the elementary library from the Daviess / Martin County Retired Teachers. A motion to accept the donation was made by Denise Garrett, seconded by Bill Shobe, and a 5-0 vote was The Board thanked the Daviess / Martin County Retired Teachers for the generous donation. Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve a quote from Fischer Electric for the installation of emergency lighting in both gymnasiums. She explained that the quote from Fischer Electric is the lowest of three quotes received for the job. A motion to approve was made by Christy Farhar, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was 4
Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve Scott Hert to serve as a volunteer with the girls elementary basketball program during the 2012-13 season. A motion to approve Mr. Hert was made by Bill Shobe, seconded by Christy Farhar, and a 5-0 vote was Superintendent Keller recommended Andrea Lemond be approved as JV/Varsity Assistant Volleyball Coach for the past 2012 season. A motion to approve Mrs. Lemond was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was 6. Reports: Mr. Malone, Elementary Principal, Candace Roush, Jr. Sr. High School Principal, reported on several current events going on in their prospective buildings including: -Elementary Music Program was held on December 13th -Citizenship Challenge to begin in the Elementary on January 3rd -Semester Ends December 21st with report cards being sent home on January 9th -Progress of Elementary School Improvement and Reading Plan Teams -Recent collection of food was donated to the St. Vincent's Pantry -RISE evaluations are in full swing Mid-year conferences are coming up soon -Jr. High Anti-Bullying program "Call me Jim" is scheduled for December 14th -Winter ECA exams are being finished up scores should be received by January 4th -Jr. Sr. High final exams are coming up next week -The band and choir students held a wonderful concert on December 10th -10 high school teachers recently completed suicide prevention training -Mr. Dahlen has requested a yearbook price increase from $30 to $35 this year -The high school is seeing an increase in attendance rate recently Superintendent Keller reported on the following: -We were awarded $120,000 through the Full Day Kindergarten Grant -Mr. Dahlen is sponsoring a film club with parental permission required for every student due to some of the film ratings -We have started the renewal process for the property / casualty insurance policy -She has been studying the details of the Employee Affordable Health Care Act that will go into effect on January 1, 2014 -She enjoyed the recent high school band concert and art show as well as the elementary music program -She reported that we have started developing the calendar for the 2013-14 school year -She congratulated Mr. Malone on the success of the new safety plan for students picked up on the playground after school 5
Superintendent Keller thanked outgoing Board members Denise Garrett and Bill Shobe for their service over the past several years. She stated that she had very much enjoyed working with both of them in various capacities over the years. Board President presented both Mrs. Garrett and Mr. Shobe with a plaque in appreciation of leadership and Board service. Denise Garrett has been a member of the Board of School Trustees since 1996. Bill Shobe has been a member of the Board of School Trustees since 2006. Superintendent Keller provided the Board with the nurse's report, counselor's report, and all financial reports for the corporation. Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve the leave accounting report as presented. A motion to approve was made by Bill Shobe, seconded by Denise Garrett, and a 5-0 vote was 7. Approval of Claims: Superintendent Keller recommended the Board approve all claims as presented. A motion to approve was made by Mary Lou Billings, seconded by Bill Shobe, and a 5-0 vote was 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. The next meeting of the Board will be a regular session on January 10, 2013. 6