The regular meeting of the Cass City Board of Education was called to order on May 24, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., in the Cass City High School Cafeteria by President Douglas Lautner.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Douglas Lautner, Craig Bellew, James Turner, Randy Severance, James Veneziano, Sloane Stimpfel and David Osentoski.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Superintendent Hartel, HS Principal Daniels, MS Principal Markel, Maintenance Director Barnes, Grounds Director Schuette, Transportation Director Sattelberg, Food Service Director Bock, Business Manager Severance, Technology Director Severance and Campbell Elementary Principal Fernald arrived at 7:55 p.m.
It was moved by James Turner, seconded by Craig Bellew, that the agenda be approved as presented. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
It was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by Randy Severance, that the regular board meeting and the closed session meeting minutes held on April 26, 2010, be approved as sent. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. (Copies are in the Secretary’s book.)
It was moved by James Veneziano, seconded by James Turner, that the bills in the amount of $127,237.72 be approved in their entirety. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. (Copies are in the Secretary’s book.) Treasurer Veneziano informed the Board that the first reading of a policy change regarding bill paying will be brought before the Board at the June 28th meeting.
Recognition and Presentations:
Congratulations for various student/staff achievements were acknowledged by the Board. They are:
1. 2010 Academic Games Teams
Science Team/First Place – Josiah Battel, Jacob Ballard, Jeremy Wright, Michael Lange, and Alison Blattner
Math Team/Second Place – Emily Martin, Samantha Swiderski, Cortney Thompson, Jared Weidman, Brandon Montgomery and Dallas Woodward
English Team/Second Place – Kelsey Rudy, Rochelle Rushlow, Paige Lester, Erica Boyd, Jordyn Heredia and Shannon Bardwell
Technology Team – Amanda Kaake, Jalen Ferris, Mary Rivest and Darlene Gibson
Social Studies Team – Caitlin Reed, Vicki Spencer, Alex Zaleski, Steven Rychlewski and Misha Clark
2. Greater Thumb West Academic Teams
Jacob Ballard and Amanda Kaake – First Team
Emily Martin and Elise Nicol – Second Team
Stephanie Steely – Honorable Mention
3. CCHS Valedictorian - Emily Martin and Salutatorian – Jacob Ballard
4. CCMS Wreath Laying/Arlington National Cemetery Essay winners - Kristin Ewald, Shania Chambers, Michael Mulligan and Brock Thane
5. Michigan Breaking Traditions 2010 Award Certificate – Vanessa Scasny – CCHS/Tuscola Technology Center
6. Congratulations Brett Davis – Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Network Security
7. Proclamation from Governor Granholm proclaiming May 12, 2010 as School Nurse Day in MI
CCEA President Mary Keroson gave a brief update on activities Cass City teachers have participated in during the 2009/2010 school year.
Public Participation:
The 8th grade Washington trip sponsor (Linda Bailey) presented the itinerary for this years trip. Copies of the winning “Arlington wreath laying essays” were given to the Board and the Maharg Scholarship winner (Audrey VanAuken) was announced.
Reports and Communications:
Superintendent Hartel expressed a desire to establish a community group (Friends of Cass City Marketing Plan) to promote the positive things happening in and around the Cass City Public Schools. The purpose would be to encourage student enrollment in the school district. He stated that there will be an organizational meeting on June 30th in the Rawson Memorial Library at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in being part of the committee is welcome to attend.
A bond construction report was given by David Barnes, maintenance director. He presented some ideas on how to use the remaining bond dollars to the Board. Action was postponed until the June 28th regular board meeting. (A copy is in the Secretary’s book.)
It was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by James Turner, that the monthly budget report (DS 4868) be accepted as presented by Heather Severance, business manager. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED (A copy is in the Secretary’s book.
The finance committee plans to meet on June 15, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. Final budget recommendations will be presented to the Board at the next regular meeting. Also, on June 28, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., prior to the regular board meeting, the Board of Education will hold a special meeting/public hearing to consider the District’s proposed 2010/2011 budget. Adoption of the budget will take place in the regular meeting following the hearing.
High School Principal Daniels announced that high school graduation will be on May 28th at 7:00 p.m.in the high school gym. Everyone is invited.
Superintendent Hartel reported that all of the paperwork including the memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed and submitted to the state for the implementation of the Race to the Top grant project.
Final recommendations from the three (3) Ad Hoc (staffing, athletics and transportation) committees were presented. Their proposals will be considered at the next finance committee meeting. (Copies are in the Secretary’s book.)
Superintendent Hartel reviewed his 90 day plan for the school district.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
It was moved by Randy Severance, seconded by Sloane Stimpfel, that Cass City Public Schools remain a “School of Choice” district for the first semester of the 2010/2011 school year. Openings will be available in K – 10th grades and class sizes will remain within the contractual limits. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.
A 2009/2010 calendar modification was recommended to the Board. May 28th has been changed to a full professional development day for teachers.
A special board meeting/retreat will be held June 14th at 6:30 p.m. to hear speaker Karen Cross from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB).
A request from the Upper Thumb Bowling Program to recognize bowling as a high school club sportwas heard by the Board. It was moved by James Turner, seconded by Craig Bellew, to postpone a decision, until the athletic director and Board have a chance to review the request. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. (A copy is in the Secretary’s book.)
It was moved by James Turner, seconded by Sloane Stimpfel, to adopt the annual Michigan High School Athletic Association (M.H.S.A.A.) resolution as presented for the 2010/2011 school year. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED. (A copy is in the Secretary’s book.)
Superintendent Hartel announced that, the annual year end staff luncheon is scheduled to be held on Monday, June 07th at 12:00 noon. This years sponsor is R.C. Hendrick and Son, Inc. of Saginaw, MI.
At 9:15 p.m., it was moved by Craig Bellew, seconded by James Turner, that the regular board meeting be adjourned and the Board go into closed session to discuss pending litigation. All Ayes. (By a unanimous show of hands.) MOTION CARRIED.
The open board meeting was again called to order by the board president at 10:22 p.m. Mr. Lautner stated that the situation discussed in closed session, was being referred back to the school attorneys.
At 10:25 p.m., it was moved by Douglas Lautner, seconded by Craig Bellew to adjourn the regular meeting. All Ayes. MOTION CARRIED.