MEETING MINUTES. President Dindoffer called the regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.

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1 VI. B. Grosse Pointe Board of Education Minutes of the of January 13, 2014 North High School Library 707 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI MEETING MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER President Dindoffer called the regular meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Board members present: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske and Summerfield Trustee Valente arrived late. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Trustee Jakubiec. Also Present: Superintendent Harwood; Deputy Superintendents Dean and Fenton II. APPROVAL OF BOARD AGENDA FOR JANUARY 13, 2014 It was Moved by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board Agenda for Monday, January 13, 2014 be approved as presented. Ayes: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske and Summerfield Absent from vote: Trustee Valente Motion carried by a 6 0 vote. III. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ACTION ITEMS There were no public comments at this time. IV. AGENDA ACTION ITEMS FOR JANUARY 13, 2014 A. Approval of Human Resources Report for January 13, 2014 It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske Supported by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board approve the Human Resources Report of January 13, 2014 as presented. Ayes: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske, Summerfield and Valente Absent from vote: Trustee Valente Motion carried by a 6 0 vote. B. Approval of Closed Session Minutes of December 16 and 23, 2014 and Minutes of December 16, 2014 It was Moved by: Trustee Gafa Supported by: Trustee Summerfield THAT the Board approve the Closed Session Minutes of December 16 and 23, 2013 and as presented. Minutes of January 13, 2014 Page 1 3:13 PM

2 Trustee Jakubiec requested corrections to the minutes and shared those revisions with the Board. (revised minutes attached.) A new motion was made to approve the minutes as amended: It was Moved by: Trustee Jakubiec THAT the Board approve the Closed Session Minutes of the December 16 and 23, 2013 meetings as presented and the as amended. Ayes: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn and Summerfield Absent from vote: Trustee Valente Nays: Trustee Roeske Motion carried by a 5 1 vote. VI. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION A. Update on Upcoming Events Related to the 2014 Technology Bond Superintendent Harwood addressed upcoming events related to the election on February 25, 2014 for the Technology Bond. He noted that meetings have been held at two community libraries and an informational forum will be hosted by the League of Women Voters tomorrow evening at 7 p.m. in the South High School Wicking Library. On February 4, 2014 there will be a Technology Showcase in the Brownell Multipurpose Room for the community and all are welcome. The district s website also has a plethora of detailed information if you click on Technology Bond including a Frequently Asked Questions site to help residents navigate the facts. B. Presentation on Special Education Programs and Services Special Education Director, Ms. Stephanie Hayes presented information about the Special Education Department. She introduced her department supervisors, Lilly Loder and Susan Lucchese noting that the department consists of many wonderful professional educators working diligently to put every child in the best educational placement and least restrictive environment. The information Ms. Hayes presented was to help educate community members about special education; its current integrative practices; myths and misperceptions; and overall, department beliefs. This information is available on the district website. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-ACTION ITEMS Julie Moe, Grosse Pointe, addressed the Board regarding inclusion in the district for special needs students. Kara Shall, Grosse Pointe, also shared her thoughts about inclusion for special needs students in the district. Joan Mason, Grosse Pointe Woods, spoke on inclusion for special needs students. Judith Chapman, Grosse Pointe Farms, addressed information in the Special Education presentation this evening pertaining to myths and her personal experiences in the district. Matt Wettstein, Grosse Pointe Woods, shared his thoughts on parents as advocates for their children. Minutes of January 13, 2014 Page 2 3:13 PM

3 Michele Lynch, Grosse Pointe Farms, spoke about the opportunities for students with special needs in the district, discrepancies in the disproportionately report, and the achievement gaps in the districts schools and how those achievement gaps could be raised for lower achieving students. Ann Hern, Grosse Pointe Park, shared her child s experiences in the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Olivia Monette, Grosse Pointe Farms, shared her experiences in the district regarding the special needs students and the special education program. Lisa Monette, Grosse Pointe Farms, spoke about her personal experiences working with the special education program in the Grosse Pointe Public Schools. Jennifer Munson, Grosse Pointe Park, shared her thoughts on inclusion and least restrictive environment in Grosse Pointe Schools. Mike Monette, Grosse Pointe Farms, shared his thoughts on the special education presentation this evening and on the district s goal to continue to improve opportunities for special needs students. Peter Kotulaa, Grosse Pointe Park, spoke about inclusion in the district for special needs students. Lisa Kotula, Grosse Pointe Park, shared her personal experiences in the district working with the special education program and participating in individualized educational program meetings for her child. Karen Grobbel, Grosse Pointe, also shared her experiences with inclusion in the district. Marlene Pierce, Grosse Pointe Park, asked about the professional development opportunities for special education and general education staff and the lack of continuity throughout the district regarding inclusion. Chita Raman, Grosse Pointe Woods, shared her personal experiences regarding inclusion in the district. Joanne Murphy, Grosse Pointe Park, shared her thoughts on the presentation this evening and the special education program noting that she is the non-attorney advocate for some parents in the district. Sara Peters, Grosse Pointe Woods, also addressed the special education program opportunities for special needs students in the district and her personal experiences regarding her child. Lisa Khoury, Grosse Pointe Park and district employee, addressed the Board and audience about the special education program staff and their dedication and hard work in providing services to all students. Karen Strehlke, Grosse Pointe, shared a story about middle school general education students playing hockey with special needs students and the positive experience it was for both teams. Jennie Silva, Grosse Pointe Shores, shared her daughter s experience in the Grosse Pointe Schools and the need for inclusion for all special needs students. JoEllen Cumpata, Grosse Pointe Park and district employee, shared her experiences with students as a teacher of the speech and language impaired. Cheri Burley, GPEA President, addressed Ms. Hayes presentation noting that the information provided was just the tip of the plan and the information behind each bulleted point were too extensively detailed to relay in a 15 minute presentation. She noted that every teacher in the special education works hard to meet the needs of every student they service every day. Minutes of January 13, 2014 Page 3 3:13 PM

4 Georgia Scherke, Grosse Pointe City, thanked the administration and staff in the special education department for the excellent work they do every day noting that she has had a positive experience with special education staff and the services provided. VII. FUTURE MEETINGS A. of the Board, Monday, January 27, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Brownell MultiPurpose Room VIII. COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT Trustee Jakubiec expressed his hope that someone in the community would take an interest in replacing him on the Board. Trustee Pangborn addressed the special education presentation in agreement with parents that spoke noting that information presented should have included how the plan for services would be implemented. Trustee Summerfield said that he appreciated the administration and parents for the open conversation this evening indicating that he hopes to see progress as communication continues and information is shared with the community. Trustee Gafa said that the presentation and information provided by parent speakers was a lot to take in and process. Trustee Valente apologized for being late. She noted that the district has some extraordinary teachers. She said, however, that she was offended by the action plan presented. She offered a list of recommendations for immediate consideration or change. Trustee Roeske said that it is important to have a continuity of services at all buildings. He thanked the parents who spoke this evening. Superintendent Harwood also appreciated all of the parents who spoke, adding that he would take what each one said to heart and work to address their issues. He added that his goal is to have a collaborative conversation of change that will continue. He also said that this is not just a special education issue but a school system issue that he will continue to work on and resolve. He noted that there is room for improvement and that an open dialogue is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15 th with parents of special needs students. President Dindoffer thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and speaking. She asked that the administration provide the Board with a summary of the comments from parents in order to help find solutions for those issues that were brought forth this evening. IX. MOTION TO CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS AN ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske Supported by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board Convene Into Closed Session to Discuss an Attorney/Client Privileged Communication. In a roll call vote, Trustee Dindoffer, Yes Minutes of January 13, 2014 Page 4 3:13 PM

5 Trustee Gafa, Yes Trustee Jakubiec, Yes Trustee Pangborn, Yes Trustee Roeske, Yes Trustee Summerfield, Yes Trustee Valente, Yes X. ADJOURNMENT President Dindoffer will adjourn the meeting after the Board returns from open session. The regular session of this meeting concluded at 9:17 p.m. Meeting adjourned after closed session at 11:11 p.m. Lois Valente, Board Secretary Minutes of January 13, 2014 Page 5 3:13 PM

6 Grosse Pointe Board of Education Minutes of the of December 16, 2013 Multipurpose Room, Brownell Middle School 260 Chalfonte, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI V. B. MEETING MINUTES REVISED I. CALL TO ORDER President Dindoffer called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Board members present: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske, Summerfield and Valente The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Trustee Pangborn. Also Present: Superintendent Harwood; Deputy Superintendents Dean (arrived at 7:25 p.m.) and Fenton II. APPROVAL OF BOARD AGENDA FOR DECEMBER 16, 2013 It was Moved by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board Agenda be adopted as presented for December 16, III. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT A. Legislative News Lansing legislatures have been discussing the following bills and those results will soon be available: House Bill 5111 regarding the 3 rd grade reading-retention bill; House Bill 5112 is the new plan to rate schools on a A-F scale. The chair of the House Education Committee is working hard to get this bill passed, but the education lobby is successfully keeping up their opposition. Wayne County and the district are hoping that this legislation will not pass the House at this time; and House Bill 4369 which will codify the EAA if passed. The House, Governor and State Superintendent would want to see it go through. B. Good News Items Superintendent Harwood shared good news about the District s Gearheads group of students that recently received the 1 st Competitive Robotics Grant for $6,500 from the Michigan Department of Education. He also shared news about a Brownell student who recently published a book she wrote while attending Defer. A Proposed Bill is on the Senate floor and supported by Senator Bert Johnson to name Mackinac Island Fudge the State candy, prompted by a letter submitted by Defer Elementary students. IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON REGULAR AGENDA ACTION ITEMS There were no public comments at this time. V. AGENDA ACTION ITEMS FOR DECEMBER 16, 2013 A. Approval of Human Resources Report for December 16, 2013 Superintendent Harwood presented the Human Resources report which contained the appointment of one instructional staff in the Early Childhood Department at Barnes School. Page 1

7 It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske Supported by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board approve the Human Resources report for December 16, 2013 as presented. B. Approval of Meeting Minutes of November 25, 2013 It was Moved by: Trustee Gafa Supported by: Trustee Summerfield THAT the Board approve the Meeting Minutes of November 25, 2013 as presented. C. Approval of General Appropriations Amendment Act #1 (G.A.A.A. #1) Mr. Fenton noted that changes in the beginning fund equity based on the recent audit resulted in the first General Appropriations Amendment Act for the school year. The district has a projected $4.2 million General Fund Equity for the end of the school year which is an increase of $2.2 million. It was Moved by: Trustee Valente Supported by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board approve the G.A.A.A. #1 as presented. D. Approval of Secondary High School Courses 1. Honors Accounting It was Moved by: Trustee Jakubiec THAT the Board approve the Honors Accounting High School Course as presented. 2. Reading and Writing through Athletics It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske THAT the Board approve the Reading and Writing through Athletics High School Course as presented. Page 2

8 E. Approval of Board Policies (second reading) Vice-President Roeske noted that this was the second reading of the policies listed. He asked if Board members had any questions about the policies being voted on this evening. 1. Policy 5330, Medications It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske THAT the Board table Policy 5330, Medications at this time. 2. Policy 9300, Volunteers It was Moved by: Trustee Pangborn Supported by: Trustee Roeske THAT the Board approve Policy 9300, Volunteers, as presented. 3. Policy 5830, Student Fundraising It was Moved by: Trustee Roeske THAT the Board approve Policy 5830, Student Fundraising, as presented. VI. AGENDA ACTION ITEMS FOR JANUARY 27, 2013 A. Approval of Organizational Items for Election of Officers Board Bylaw 0152 indicates that the Board shall annually elect Board officers at its organizational meeting. Following the election of President, the new president then conducts the remainder of the meeting starting with the election of the 2014 vice-president. Elections for the positions of secretary and treasurer are then conducted before proceeding with the remainder of the agenda. 2. Approval of Resolution of Continuance of Funds and Designation of Signatories on Accounts The Board was provided with a resolution pertaining to the continuance of funds and accounts and signatories on accounts that need to be established and/or continued for the calendar year Page 3

9 3. Approval of Appointment of Christian Fenton, Isha Smith and Carolyn Kurtz as Representatives to M.A.I.S.L. for Property/Liability Insurance Underwriter The Grosse Pointe Public School System is a member of the Metropolitan Association for Improved School Legislation (M.A.I.S.L.) Joint Risk Management Trust which is a property/liability insurance pool. This is composed of 35 districts/isd s. Claims Administration and Risk Management is provided by Gallagher Bassett. M.A.I.S.L. is a trust voluntarily established by contracting schools districts pursuant to Section 2 and Section 5 of Chapter 124 of the Michigan Compiled Laws for the purpose of providing to participating school districts such services and security as are approved by the board of directors and permitted by the laws of the State of Michigan to provide property/casualty, Board liability, general liability, excess liability, auto and fleet insurance among others. Article 11 of our agreement states that obligation of its members which includes the selection of a staff person as a director and alternate director. Currently Christian A. Fenton services as the director and Isha Smith and Carolyn Kurtz as an alternate director. 4. Approval of Regular Board Meeting Calendar for 2014 Per Board Bylaw 0154, the Board of Education approves their meeting calendar for the following year at their annual organizational meeting in January. A proposed meeting schedule for the 2014 calendar year for regular meetings of the Board of Education was provided to the Board. The first regular meeting of the month will be typically held on the third Monday of the month in the Brownell MultiPurpose Room (unless the meeting conflicts with scheduled breaks.) Locations will be posted on the district website in advance of the meeting. The second regular meeting of the month, held on the fourth Monday of the month, will also be held in the Brownell MultiPurpose Room. Information on the following agenda items will be provided prior to the Board prior to the next regular meeting on January 13, 2014 which has been scheduled at 7:00 p.m. in the North High School Library. B. Approval of Human Resources Report for January 13, 2014 C. Approval of Meeting Minutes of January 27, 2014 D. Approval of Superintendent s Evaluation VII. INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION A. Declaration of Candidacy for 2014 Board Officers Trustee Jakubiec stated that he would not be interested in a Board Officer position for the 2014 school year as he intends on will be transitioning off of the Board during the first quarter of the year. Trustee Pangborn said she would prefer to stay a Trustee at this time. Trustee Summerfield said he would serve at the will of the Board. Trustee Valente said she would serve at the will of the Board. Trustee Gafa said she would serve at the will of the Board. Trustee Roeske said he would serve at the will of the Board. Trustee Dindoffer said she enjoyed serving as President and is willing to continue in that capacity, but would serve at the will of the Board. Page 4

10 B. Monthly Financial Report/Health Care Report Mr. Fenton shared information about the Monthly Financial Report noting that his office will continue to monitor the school service fund. The variable cost report was also provided for Board review. Dr. Dean reported on the Health Care Report. Documents on both topics are provided on the district website. C. High School Program of Studies The current High School Program of Studies continues to reflect changes and improvements in the district curriculum and to clarify district regulations to make them more accessible to parents and students. There are no major curriculum changes in this year s High School Program of Studies. Changes to remove the word pilot from some courses were made as well as the removal of courses with low enrollment. Other changes included: Honors Chemistry course was updated ; pre-requisites options were added for AP Studio Art: 2D Communication Design; and approval of Department Chair designation was removed from two art courses. VIII. FUTURE MEETINGS A. Board Policy Committee Meeting, Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 6:00 p.m., Board Room B. of the Board, Monday, January 13, 2014, 7:00 p.m., North High School C. of the Board, Monday, January 27, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Brownell Multipurpose Room IX. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-ACTION ITEMS Chris Profeta, Grosse Pointe Woods, asked community members to sign on to the gptechyes.org website to show support for the Technology Bond. Julie Moe, Grosse Pointe, spoke in support of available opportunities for special needs students in the Grosse Pointe Schools. Philip Moe, Grosse Pointe, also shared his thoughts about inclusion opportunities for special needs students in the district. Mark O Keefe, Grosse Pointe Woods, spoke in support of special needs student opportunities in the district for his grandson. Jennifer Munson, Grosse Pointe Park, spoke in support of special needs students having an opportunity to attend an inclusive preschool program. Laura Kellett, Grosse Pointe City, shared her views on the importance of inclusion in district schools for special needs students. Gowri Yerramalli, Grosse Pointe Shores, shared her support for the North High School community. Bharani Yerramalli, Grosse Pointe Shores, also supported the North community and the importance of teaching students to embrace the change instead of being fearful of it. He asked the Board to reject the Unite the Farms initiative. Cheri Burley, GPEA President, expressed concerns about the Unite the Farms initiative. Sheri Kam, Grosse Pointe Woods, showed her support of the North High School community and equal education at both high schools in the district. Rochelle McManus, Grosse Pointe Woods, was also in support of the North community noting that it is a wonderful school. Steve Saigh, Grosse Pointe Woods, spoke against the Unite the Farms initiative. Page 5

11 Michelle Hodges, Grosse Pointe Park, spoke about a recent test that her daughter took and asked the district to revisit certain questions or presumptions presented on the test. X. OTHER COMMENTS FROM BOARD AND SUPERINTENDENT Trustee Jakubiec addressed the importance of career days and its presenters for students. He also spoke in support of the Unite the Farms group and their proposal for students living in the north-end of the Farms. He noted he was dissatisfied in how the issue was spun to something negative and how it was allowed to be spun out of control last month. and negativity attached to it has spun out of control. Trustee Jakubiec then reiterated his intention plan to transition off of the Board and encouraged the community to become involved and consider serving on the Board. Trustee Pangborn said that she, too, is supportive of the Unite the Farms group and is surprised at the issue that it has become. She also is in support of the parents who have been attending and speaking at board meetings regarding inclusion for special needs students. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Trustee Summerfield agreed with and thanked the parents that spoke this evening in support of North High School adding that it is a great school. He also recognized the parents who are supportive of inclusion for special needs students. He wished everyone a Happy New Year and a safe holiday. Trustee Gafa highlighted the good news about the Brownell student having a book published. She agreed with Trustee Summerfield about the excellence at North High School and thanked everyone who came out to speak. She also wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a safe vacation. Trustee Valente shared that nothing has changed to indicate that the school boundaries need to be changed nor is she interested in changing the boundaries as proposed by the Unite the Farms group of supporters. She did note that inclusion for special needs students was near and dear to her heart and requested a formal conversation about inclusion sometime in February with administration who will be meeting to discuss the issue in January. She thanked those who presented and spoke this evening including Trustee Jakubiec for his service to the Board and his early notice. She, too, wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Trustee Roeske also thanked all of the speakers this evening and noted that the Board is working through the inclusion issue. He also shared that he is not in favor of changing the district boundaries or for students scheduled to attend North to have the option to attend South. Mr. Roeske did note that there is a process and a policy that allows for some legitimate transfers and that policy is being followed. He shared that he visited North High School last week and thanked the students, staff and Mrs. Murray for his tour and the warm welcome he received from all staff. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Superintendent Harwood noted a meeting on January 8, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. with Special Education leadership that will address the issues about inclusion for special needs students. The meeting is an open conversation for anyone to attend and will provide plans about the direction the district will propose regarding inclusion. Dr. Harwood thanked those who participated in the Performing Arts in many of the holiday concerts that took place. He also noted the upcoming Technology Bond discussions: January 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Woods Library; that same day at 5:00 p.m. at the Park Library; a League of Women Voters discussion on January 14, 2014; and a Technology Showcase on February 4, 2014 demonstrating the many instructional pilot programs that have been implemented with funding from the Grosse Pointe Foundation for Public Education. Superintendent Harwood wished everyone a Happy Holiday and a safe travel during the break. Page 6

12 President Dindoffer thanked everyone who came out to speak this evening and acknowledged that all Board members believe in the benefits of inclusion. She looks forward to the results of the January discussion with the Special Education leadership and administration about the direction the district will be going in this area. She also addressed the Unite the Farms issue noting that both high schools are outstanding and she appreciated those that shared their wonderful experiences about North High School. Trustee Dindoffer added that there is nothing presented to the Board at this time requesting a change in the boarders, nor does she feel that a change is needed at this time. President Dindoffer also clarified that this issue is not a schools of choice issue as the district is not a Schools of Choice district. This issue involves transfers within the district. She wished everyone a happy holiday. XI. ADJOURNMENT President Dindoffer adjourned the meeting at 9:04 p.m. Board Secretary Page 7

13 Grosse Pointe Board of Education Minutes of a Closed Session of January 13, 2014 North High School Library Center 707 Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI VI. B. MEETING MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER President Dindoffer called the meeting to order at 9:30 p.m. Board members present: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske, Summerfield and Valente Also Present: Superintendent Harwood; Deputy Superintendents Dean and Fenton; Legal Counsel, John Gierak II. MOTION TO CONVENE INTO CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS ATTORNEY/CLIENT PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION Moved by: Trustee Roeske Supported by: Trustee Gafa THAT the Board Move into a Closed Session to Discuss an Attorney/Client Privileged Communication. Ayes: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske, Summerfield and Valente Motion carried by a 7-0 vote. III. MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION AT 11:11 P.M. Moved by: Trustee Roeske Supported by: Trustee Jakubiec THAT the Board return to Open Session at 11:11 p.m. Ayes: Trustees Dindoffer, Gafa, Jakubiec, Pangborn, Roeske, Summerfield and Valente IV. ADJOURNMENT President Dindoffer adjourned the meeting at 11:11 p.m. Lois Valente, Board Secretary Minutes of January 13, 2014 Closed Session