The regular meeting of the Cass City Board of Education was called to order on April
28, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cass City High School Cafeteria by President Michelle
Biddinger. The Red Hawk Award of Excellence meeting was held before the regular
meeting in the High School Library at 7:00 p.m.
The members present were Craig Bellew, Michelle Biddinger, Danny Haag, Cathy Kropewnicki, Douglas Lautner and Randy Severance. Absent was James Turner. Also present were Superintendent Wilson, H. S. Principal Daniels, M. S. Principal Hartel, Campbell Principal Fernald and Counselor Sue Frederiksen.
It was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by Craig Bellew, that the minutes of the March 24, 2008, regular Board meeting and the March 24, 2008, closed session be approved as sent. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Danny Haag, seconded by Randy Severance, that the bills in the amount of $241,483.97 be paid in their entirety. The motion carried unanimously.
James Hobbs gave a presentation on Peer Counseling. He stated there were about a dozen students involved and praised Chad Daniels, Sue Frederiksen and Donald Markel for their help.
Cheryl Kilbourn gave an update on the Michigan Profile for Healthy Youth. The three building Principals, Counselor Frederiksen and Nurse Kathy LaPonsie have copies. She also stated the M.M.E. testing ran very smoothly with 99 students taking the test.
Kathy LaPonsie presented information on the Heart Rescue Grant she applied for and received from the Medtronic Foundation. This grant will help establish our school district’s Save A Life Program. The purpose of the program will be to educate staff and students in CPR/AED usage, so they will be prepared with the skills and training to save a life when an emergency occurs. The grant will give us the funds to train staff and students in CPR/AED usage.
Campbell Elementary Showcase – Jeanie McGee and Donna Emerson told about a competition beween classrooms (Yvonne Sherman’s room won). Riley Weiler and Megan Graham told the Board what they had learned about their subjects (Riley – Pandas and Megan – Dolphins) and gave a visual presentation also. Donna Emerson said it helps the teachers meet the State curriculum guidelines and Jeanie McGee said it shows the students how to use the website – they used Enchanted Learning.
Joseph Rule told about an Eagle Scout project he is doing at the High School. His project is improving the memorial stones around the High School (five trees and memorial stones). It is with Boy Scout Troop 594. He raises money through private individuals, businesses and community organizations and the school is supplying the edging.
Public Participation – Principal Daniels mentioned the Prom is May 10th at Ubly Heights.
Brenda McArthur (a concerned parent) inquired if the bond issue passed would there be a section added next year in first grade. She said there are currently 29 students in her child’s kindergarten class.
Superintendent Wilson gave a budget report. He stated that it is $29,000.00 lower than anticipated because of increased fuel costs and federal funds. He said next year it looks like we will be down approximately 35 students and is hoping the 2X funding will bring an increase of $142.00 per student next year.
Superintendent Wilson gave a bond election update. He said the committee has worked very hard and that they had raised $800.00 to pay for the ads.
The following students were recognized:
Middle School Academic Track winners were:
First Place –
- Alyse Timko – Speech & Theater,
- Ali Smith – Communication Arts
- Leah Sanders – Vocal Solo
Second Place –
- Alex Zaleski – U. S. History
Third Place –
- Alex Zaleski – Math Story
- Morgan Erla – Vocal Solo
Honorable Mention –
- Ali Smith – Music Theory,
- Logan Rowell – Word-O-Clock,
- Katie Manwell – Graphite Drawing,
- Sarah Zmierski – Vocal Solo
- Ethan Nicol – Non-Keyboard Solo,
- Alison Blattner - Non-Keyboard Solo,
- Emily Kuenzli – Keyboard Solo and
Boys Quartet –
- Josh Farkas, Morgan Erla, Michael Adams and Adam McFadzean.
Band Students – State Band Festival The students performed on April 25th at WarrenWoodsTower High School and received 3’s. National BPA competition in Reno, Nevada – Joseph Rule, a Tech Center student from Cass City, has earned the right to go to the National BPA competion in Reno, Nevada. He will be competing in Digital Media Production and computer Security concepts.
Academic Games – Principal Daniels received news that Cass City received First Place in English, Math and Techology and Second Place in Science and Social Studies. The students will be recognized at the next Board meeting.
Staff recognition – Kathy LaPonsie – A certificate of proclamation from Governor Granholm was received to proclaim Wednesday, May 7, 2008, as School Nurse Day.
It was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by Randy Severance, to adopt the bus policy additions/changes as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Danny Haag, seconded by Randy Severance, to approve the low bidder as the Third Party Administrator for 403 (b) and 457. Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac and Bay Arenac are all involved in this and have received bids from five companies. Superintendent Wilson will continue to negotiate and select the company. This will be effective on January 1, 2009. The motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Wilson stated Lloyd Schinnerer said they have announced the Academic All State Girls Basketball team. He will get a list of the girls to the Board.
It was moved by Randy Severance, seconded by Cathy Kropewnicki, to go into closed session to discuss staff recommendations for probationary and tenure contracts. The motion carried unanimously.
Benjamin Lucas Varney arrived with his parents and god-parents. He received the Red Hawk Award of Excellence but due to playing in a baseball game was unable to be recognized at the earlier meeting in the Library at 7:00 p.m. A letter was read from Linda Volz and Principal Daniels spoke very highly about Lucas.
It was moved by Randy Severance, seconded by Douglas Lautner, to go back into open session. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Craig Bellew, seconded by Danny Haag, to grant a 2nd Year Probationary contract to Jonelle Tichnell. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Danny Haag, seconded by Michelle Biddinger, to grant a 4th Year Probationary contract to Chris Collins. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Michelle Biddinger, seconded by Douglas Lautner, to grant a Tenure contract to Kelli McIntyre. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by Randy Severance, to grant a Tenure contract to Tammy Downing. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Michelle Biddinger, seconded by Randy Severance, to accept Sue Frederiksen’s resignation with regrets at a mutually agreed upon last day. Sue has accepted a counseling position in Almont. The motion carried unanimously.
It was moved by Randy Severance, seconded by Douglas Lautner, that the meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously.