Webberville Community School 's Board of Education

Regular Meeting Minutes

October17, 2005

 

This Regular Meeting of the Webberville Board of Education was called to order by Board President Simmons in the Webberville Secondary School library on Monday, October 17, 2005, at 7:00 p.m.

 

Present: Clifford H. Simmons II, Kristine Brenner , Kathe Westbrook , Caron Guidroz and Matt Kulaga

 

Absent: Patricia Shanabrook and Teri Chamberlain

 

Also Present: Dr. William Skilling, Superintendent, and Mr. Brian Friddle, High School Principal

 

President Simmons made a motion to amend Item VIII. B. to state "Motion to amend authorization of banking and signature requirements related to the Athletic Fund, Elementary Activity Fund and High School Activity Fund as presented". Ms. Guidroz seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.

 

Approval of Agenda:

Mr. Kulaga moved, Ms. Guidroz seconded a motion to approve the Amended Agenda of the Regular Board of Education Meeting being held Monday, October 17, 2005, as presented. Motion passed 5-0.

 

 

Approval of Consent Agenda:

Ms. Brenner moved, Mr. Kulaga seconded a motion to adopt the Consent Agenda as presented. Motion passed 5-0.

 

 

Presentations:

Mr. Ed Lorenz from Clark Construction updated the board on the progress on the Community Center and the Ag building. He noted that the Ag building should be completed by Thanksgiving contingent upon obtaining the well permit soon.

 

Mr. Gary Franks, Band Director, updated the board on the marching band's superior performance at the Michigan School Bank and Orchestra Association's Festival held on October 8, 2005 in Jackson. Mr. Franks shared the judges score cards with the board. The board congratulated Mr. Franks and the band members present on a job well done and added that the band's participation is appreciated at the football games by the entire community.

 

Reports:

Policy Committee - Mr. Kulaga noted the committee had not met since our last meeting but will be meeting on Friday, October 21, 2005.

 

Finance Committee - Ms. Brenner reported that the committee met with the independent auditor without management present and discussed a draft of the audited financial statements. She noted that the audit firm will be presenting the financial statements at the next meeting, however board member will be receiving copies of the report within the next week to allow for more time to review.

Building and Grounds - Mr. Simmons stated the Mr. Lorenz had covered the information in his presentation.

 

Personnel Committee - Mr. Simmons noted that two applications were received for the student representative position and interviews will be arranged with Mr. Friddle so that a representative will be appointed by the next meeting.

 

Legislation - No report was given.

 

ISOA - Ms. Brenner will forward the minutes from the meeting once available.

 

Superintendent - Dr. Skilling reported that he will be part of a networking group of Michigan superintendents that will meet on a quarterly basis to brainstorm, share best practices and network. The group will be led by former Williamston superintendent, Dr. Lippe and the first meeting is this week in Novi. Dr. Skilling will be filling in for each administrator for a half day each month in an effort to become more visible in the buildings and keep in touch with students and staff. Dr. Skilling will be part of a "think-tank" of various professionals including school administrators, architects, etc. regarding designing appropriate learning spaces in education. The first meeting is scheduled for October 25 th and the goal is to publish their findings of the definition of learning space.

 

Ms. Guidroz asked Dr. Skilling about the attendance at his Superintendent Coffee last week. He noted there was about 16 people present which is consistent with previous Coffees.

 

Ms. Westbrook inquired about the cancellation of the JV Football game on October 13 th .

 

Ms. Guidroz inquired about the Mobil grant that was received for the Middle School APB program. Mr. Friddle responded that Ms. Weathers sought out the grant and completed all the paperwork.

 

There were no communications and petitions from the audience.

 

Action Items:

Ms. Brenner moved, Ms. Guidroz seconded a motion to approve the automatic yearly increases in the expenditure limit of the superintendent without bidding in accordance with the annual increase in the revised school code. Motion passed 5-0.

 

Ms. Brenner moved, Ms. Guidroz seconded a motion to amend authorization of banking and signature requirements related to the Athletic Fund, Elementary Activity Fund and High School Activity Fund as presented. Motion passed 5-0.

Questions or comments from the audience:

Mr. Mark Miller inquired about the control procedures with the Mealmagic swipe cards and was surprised to receive a bill for the "credit" that was allowed to be charged by his children. Dr. Skilling described the security and controls with the system, noting the improvement from our previous manual system. He empathized with receiving a bill as he was also surprised to receive one as a parent. Dr. Skilling noted that the school policy prohibits Secondary students to "charge" on their accounts and he will be meeting with the cafeteria staff tomorrow to ensure they understand the policy. He added that students will not be denied a meal should they deplete their balance, but they will not be allowed to charge. He also noted that parents have the opportunity to establish parameters on how much their child can spend on a daily basis and what types of items they can purchase. Dr. Skilling encouraged parents to look into these features.

 

Ms. Tammy Ferris echoed her frustration that her son was allowed to charge and now she is stuck with the bill. Dr. Skilling reiterated that this practice will cease.

 

Ms. Carrie Fraley asked if she is allowed to bring fast food into the cafeteria for lunch on her way back from the career center. Mr. Friddle and Dr. Skilling responded that it shouldn't be a problem as long as she just brings her meal and does not bring food for other students.

 

Ms. Sandy Judd asked why the JV football game was cancelled on October 13 th in lieu of moving Freshman Varsity players down to play on JV. Dr. Skilling commented he did discuss several football issues with Mr. Mann but did not know the reasoning behind that decision.

 

Ms. Tammy Ferris echoed her frustration that there was not a JV game as her son is struggling to keep motivated to practice if he won't have the opportunity to play in a game.

 

Ms. Terry Chase expressed concern about the lack of kids in football program and wondered what team building programs were in place to keep kids encouraged to play.

 

Ms. Sandy Judd noted there are a lot more kids coming up from the WCRA program than seniors graduating.

 

Ms. Tina Choszczyk asked how many times games or teams have been cancelled in the past. Dr. Skilling noted that 5 years ago we did not have a Varsity team and explained the detrimental effect that has to the district within the league.

 

Dr. Skilling emphasized that the programs are successful as long as athletes are learning and improving every week, regardless of the win/loss record and noted that both our teams have been improving every week this year. He reiterated that as a district we will not accept mediocrity and will maintain high standards and students will be held accountable for their actions. He added that the Principals and Coaches should not be blamed for enforcing the standards.

 

Mr. Mark Miller commented that athletic programs need to be fun and enjoyable for the students. Dr. Skilling explained that one of the most important things that children learn from participating in athletic programs is how to be part of a competitive team, which helps prepare them to survive in the real world. He added that these are not things that can be taught in a classroom. Mr. Simmons added that fun is awarded through success.

 

Ms. Giddings commented that not all boys on the football team should be treated at the same level and felt her son has been disadvantaged.

 

Ms. Guidroz asked if any parents had met with Mr. Mann to calmly discuss any of their ideas or issues and suggested that a lot of good could come from such a conversation.

 

Ms. Terry Chase added that as team captain, her son has experienced both positives and negatives this season and is supportive that bad behavior should not be tolerated.

 

Ms. Westbrook moved and Mr. Kulaga seconded a motion to move into closed session for the purpose of contract negotiations. Motion passed by roll call vote 5-0.

 

The Webberville Board of Education moved into closed session at 8:30 p.m.

 

Ms. Westbrook moved and Mr. Kulaga seconded a motion to return to regular session. Motion passed 5-0.

 

The Webberville Board of Education returned to regular session at 9:51 p.m.

 

Adjournment

Ms. Westbrook moved, Mr. Kulaga seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 9:52 p.m.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted;

 

Kristine D. Brenner

Acting Secretary, Webberville Board of Education