Reconvened to Public Session at 7:06 p.m. President Wintjen led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag followed by a moment of silence.

Transcription

1 The Laurel Board of Education held their regular meeting on November 19, 2014, in the Laurel Intermediate Middle School Media Center. The following board members were present: Linda Wintjen, President; Sabrina Taylor Isler, Vice-President; Brent Nichols, Patrick Vanderslice, Brad Lee and John Ewald, Executive Secretary. Also in attendance were: Lori Lewis, Donn Steele, Susan Whaley, Brian Swain, Rick Evans, Nancy Mears, Dave Hudson, Matt Marine, Jennifer Givens, Monet Smith, Robin Andrus, Julie Bradley, Pam McCumbers, Bonnie Boyce, Wendy Hitch, Kim Parker, Sue Darnell, Carrie Snyder, Fran Lister, Don Zook, Dave Sizemore, Brad Hastings, Mark Johnson, Sharon Dolby, Kim Ralph, Angela Johnson, Carly Whaley, Fred MacCormack, Deanna Burton, Lisa Langley, Tami Hartz, and Mike McClure-Laurel Star as documented on the guest list. 1. Call to Order Call to Order President Wintjen called the meeting to order at 5:42 p.m. 2. Executive Session Sabrina Taylor Isler moved seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried to approve the recessing to executive session to discuss collective bargaining and/or pending or potential litigation and/or personnel at 5:43 p.m. Reconvened to Public Session at 7:06 p.m. President Wintjen led the assembly in the Salute to the Flag followed by a moment of silence. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence 3. Review/Revision/Approval of Agenda Approval of Agenda It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Sabrina Taylor Isler and unanimously carried to approve to amend the agenda as follows: Add #11. Possible Personnel Actions on Executive Session Items, sections b., c., and d. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve to the regular meeting agenda as amended. 4. Review/Revision/Approval of Minutes It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the minutes of the regular Board Meeting of October 15, Approve Minutes for October 14, 2014, Reg. Board Meeting 5. Recognition of Guests Recognition of Guests Sue Darnell, President, Laurel Education Association, Inc. (LEAI); Kim Parker, Vice-President, Laurel Education Association, Inc. (LEAI); Linda Wintjen, Board President and John Ewald, Executive Secretary signed the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Kim Ralph reported on the Mock Student Election held at Laurel Intermediate School; Mock Elections: How Our students participated in voting! BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 1 of 11

2 LIMS Students Voted October th Mock Election Poster Contest: Our 3 winners and Results 1 st place- Aaron mollock (8 th Grade) 2 nd Place-Hannah Cooper (5 th grade) 3 rd place-amanda O ferrall (5 th grade) Legislative hall: Details on the function and how our students represented LIMS Brendyn Vanderslice and CJ Otwell represented LIMS Students were introduced and shared their experiences in being involved with the Mock Election. Mr. Brad Sawicki presented on the trip to Legislative Hall that he, Brendyn Vanderslice and CJ Otwell attended as representatives of the Laurel School District. Brendyn Vanderslice shared her experience at Legislative Hall and being a part of the Mock Election. It was an amazing experience. Tami Hartz, Laurel Intermediate Middle School Science Teacher received National Science Teacher Recognition. Ms. Hartz reported on her experience over this past summer with the Bay to Bay Project Multidisciplinary, Multiwatershed investigation across the Delmarva Peninsula July 7-12, 2014 that was sponsored by NOAA, DE SeaGrant, University of Delaware. The group traveled from Poplar Island, MD to Cape Henlopen, DE and had essential questions to gather information on: How do we use our watersheds to build our economy and way of life? and What is the current health of our watersheds and what steps are we taking to preserve and improve their health? Their objectives were Measure water quality, sample flora and fauna; Learn about Delmarva s history, culture, and economy; Plan and implement a MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience); Integrate online and print environmental education resources into science kits ; Model environmental literacy and stewardship with students; and Deliver project content and experiences at regional education conferences. The group had a very busy 6 days. Ms. Hartz was selected to represent Laurel School District at NSTA Conference on October 16-18, 2014 in Richmond, VA. At the conference, Ms. Hartz presented on the teacher perspective in the following areas: Thoughts on the Delmarva transect (a. Most useful/interesting activities and b. What did you learn?), MWEE implementation, What have you done with your students? What worked? What didn t?, *Lessons Learned and *Pictures. While attending Richmond, Virginia she rappelled down the 26 story building of Bank of America to support the Special Olympics! Ms. Hartz was presented a Certification of Recognition by Superintendent Ewald for her achievement as the National Science Teacher for Laurel School District. Carrie Snyder, Laurel High School Wellness Center, was asked to come forward and answer questions from the Board relative to the Wellness Center agenda items being voted on this evening. Dr. Matt Turley, Family Counselor of Delaware Psychological Services, was introduced and presented on the potential opportunity of providing after-school counseling services at the Laurel Intermediate Middle School. A slide show of services offered was presented including the DPS Team Clinicians; the history and purpose founded by Jim and Katherine Elder in July 2014; and offered BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 2 of 11

3 services and specialized treatments. Their community partnership is bridging the gap to wellness through school-based programming by integrating the clinician into the student s learning environment, connecting all professionals; offering accessible wellness services to the student and family; minimize disruption to family function and the student s school day; it is cost effective without additional expense to the family or the school district. Delaware Psychological Services proposal for school-based and after-school service is to provide 1 or more licensed mental health clinicians for a designated service agreement during the school day; DPS requests an after-school and evening location to provide additional supports to students and community members, 1-2 days per week, typically between the hours of 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.; students can be referred for treatment services by a designated professional at the respective school (i.e.; teacher, BHC, school counselor, principal, etc.); once a child is referred a clinician from DPS will arrange an introductory meeting with parents/family and commence care; and the services are funded through Medicaid (state-based insurance), some private insurance carriers, sliding scale self-pay, and/or other contract agreement. 6. Communications and Announcements/Board Participation Brad Lee congratulated and thanked the teachers and students who are here tonight and very proud of what you re doing. Congratulations extended to Coach Glenn Phillips on their win last weekend and promoted support for upcoming game. Brent Nichols agreed with Mr. Lee s comments and reported on DSBA meetings attended. DSBA is trying to work with Legislators to be more effective, organized and to push forward on legislative needs. DSBA is making some progress. Patrick Vanderslice shared how very proud he is of his daughter, Brendyn, and the other students who participated in the Mock Election and commended the LIMS staff on stressing the importance to vote. Thankful for the education received at Laurel, for which it is something that he is very passionate about. It was a pleasure to announce at the playoff game, Laurel vs. Caravel! That was the way to ride it out. Looking forward to the upcoming game and coming home with the win. Congratulations extended to Glenn Phillips for believing and giving to Laurel, and to all coaching staff and teachers, everyone is appreciated for all that you do for the district! Sabrina Taylor Isler shared that staff, support staff and extended staff are greatly appreciated in the district, even if it seems that we don t, you most certainly are! Acknowledged students who made honor roll and their academic achievements and to those students who are making strides in their levels of academics. Again, thank you to teachers and parents for all their support. Kudos to Football Team, Glenn Phillips and Coaching staff. Go Bulldogs! Linda Wintjen recognized all staff who attended the evening board meeting and those who were not here. Great job for all that you do! Congratulations extended to the Football team! BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 3 of 11

4 7. Public Participation The following persons addressed the board; Pam McCumbers and Wendy Hitch. Pam McCumbers addressed the board that at the September Board meeting she asked to have 2 Board Members volunteer to meet and sit down with her to review the Attorney invoices from Arbitration; but has yet to meet with the Board Members and is still requesting a detailed breakout of the invoices. Ms. McCumbers also commented on the shortage of substitutes and those are working are not getting paid on time or not getting paid for all the time being worked. This same thing also happened last school year. Wendy Hitch addressed the Board on the design of the new elementary school and shared that the staff haven t been clearly communicated with to attend the informational meetings. Ms. Hitch asked the Board to table the vote on the design at this evening s meeting. 8. Reports a. Financial Report Monet Smith, Chief Operating Officer shared the monthly financial report, as submitted. The district has received some of the FY15 federal funds; Small Partnership Grant has been received; schools are still working on spending down their building budgets; spent 87% obligated on Construction and 7.7% on elementary construction. Financial Report Monet Smith No questions were raised by the Board. b. Construction Report Don Zook and Dave Sizemore of Richard Y. Johnson & Son Inc., reported on the ongoing progress of the Laurel Middle/High School Construction project with regard to site work, construction schedule, stadium schedule, cost summary and change orders. Construction Report Dave Sizemore reported a problem with Union whereas the subcontractor who originally bid to the flooring job did not renew their union participation and the Union would not allow sub-contract to perform job; it took approximately a week and half to secure another Union contractor to the do the job. The new contractor has assured they would catch up and get back on target. Board Member, Brent Nichols questioned when can we get into the building? Mr. Sizemore shared can likely get in after Christmas break; however, it is a large building with a lot of technology needs and training for staff that needs to happen. Board Member, Patrick Vanderslice questioned about the schematic on buildings related to the stadium and including a concession stand building. Asked Richard Y. Johnson to get prices together on a concession stand with bathrooms with the extra funds left over. Mr. Zook responded with an update that the design is being worked on. BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 4 of 11

5 Ellis Hammond provided a project narrative report on the Laurel Elementary School Project of overview on design process, project schedule, project goals, concepts, site overview, building overview, project budget and next steps. No questions were presented from the Board on the Elementary Project report. i. Construction Change Orders 1. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve change order A8-03 Wilkinson Roofing & Siding, Inc. for $14, for cost to provide welded conductor heads in lieu of riveted heads. 2. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve change order A16-05 for Reed Associates, Inc. for $5, for Material and Labor to repair damaged fume hood due to vandalism. 3. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Sabrina Taylor Isler and unanimously carried by roll call vote to table the change order 004 Educational Furniture Solutions for $ for additional freight charges incurred due to delays in release of order, until further information is received by the board on reason for incurred charged. c. Facilities and Transportation Report Donn Steele, Facilities Supervisor, shared clarification that on October 23, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. an informational meeting on the Elementary School Design schematic was held at Laurel Intermediate Middle School Media Center for staff of Dunbar and North Laurel. Reported the district is beginning the process to archive documents, will be working with a retired person from the Archives the first week of December, it will be a labor intensive project. Buildings are rolling along. Donn Steele, Facilities Supervisor No questions were presented from the Board. d. Superintendent s Report Superintendent Ewald reported on the American Education Week November 16 22, 2014, presents all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. The weeklong celebration features a special observance each day of the week. The Laurel School District community is encouraged to #ThankAnEducator this week by taking a picture with an educator and then ing it to the Superintendent of Schools at John.Ewald@laurel.k12.de.us for it to be tweeted as well as posted on the district s web site in celebration of American Education Week. It was encouraged for the Laurel community to Shout Outs to the Superintendent of Schools at John.Ewald@laurel.k12.de.us in recognition of Laurel School District staff Superintendent s Report BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 5 of 11

6 to be shared via twitter as well as posted on the district s web site in celebration of American Education Week. Procedures and protocols for the preliminary development of FY16 Laurel School District Budget is scheduled to begin during the regularly scheduled weekly Extended Cabinet and Executive Leadership Team Meetings this Monday, November 16. Laurel School District staff recently participated in the Common Ground 2.0 FeedForward FeedBack event at Dover Downs on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 from 4:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. The purpose of the event for Sussex County Public School staff was to share current practices and plan for future instructional implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Laurel High School played Caravel High School at Laurel High School in a DIAA Division II 1 st Round Football Playoff Game on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., bringing home a win for Laurel! Glenn Phillips was commended for his work on and off the field. Winter temperatures and weather have arrived. The Laurel School District works to make emergency weather decisions by 5:30 a.m. regarding a delayed opening or school closure. Once made, the decision to delay or close schools is shared via multiple media outlets including local television, Laurel School District Web Site, Connect Ed and Twitter. In the event of an emergency school closing resulting in releasing students earlier than regular dismissal time, the Laurel School District works to make such decisions by 11:00 a.m. Once an early dismissal decision due to emergency weather conditions is made, it is shared via multiple media outlets including local television, Laurel School District Web Site, Connect Ed and Twitter. 9. Unfinished Business Unfinished Business a. Depo Provera Injections; Laurel High School Wellness Center i. It was moved by Brent Nichols seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve that Depo Provera Injections be available at the Laurel High School Wellness Center; as submitted. b. Service Grades; Laurel High School Wellness Center ii. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve Laurel High School Wellness Center Service Grades; as submitted. 10. New Business New Business a. School Choice 1. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Sabrina Taylor Isler and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the school choice application for Unit I Joseph as a rising 9 th grade student at Laurel High School, currently attending Laurel High School, from the Seaford School District for the school year. School Choice BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 6 of 11

7 2. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brad Lee and unanimously carried by roll call vote to deny the school choice application for Tayla Cody as a rising 8 th grade student at Laurel Intermediate Middle School, from the Seaford School District for the school year. b. Fundraisers It was moved by Brent Nichols seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the fundraising requests as submitted. Approval of Fundraisers It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the fundraising requests as a group. i. Recommend to approve the fundraising request submitted by Kevin Walmsley, Sponsor for Laurel Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball, to host a team fundraiser through charging admission to spectators to watch Laurel Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball Teams play with fun activities on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 for the purpose to raise money for basketball teams. Cost of admission is $2.00 per person. ii. Recommend to approve the fundraising request submitted by Melanie Bowden, Sponsor for National Junior Honor Society to sell dinners through My Turn to Cook at Laurel Intermediate Middle School on November 19, 2014 at a cost of $10.00 per dinner for the purpose to raise money for National Junior Honor Society projects/community service. iii. Recommend to approve the fundraising request submitted by Chad Lecates, LHS Freshman Class Advisor, to host a fundraiser Selfies with Santa (pictures with Santa Claus) before each of the Laurel Intermediate Middle School and High School winter concerts (December 11 th and December 18 th ) for the purpose to raise money for the Freshman Class. The cost for parents to take pictures using their own cell phone is $1.00. iv. Recommend to approve the fundraising request submitted by Sharon Dolby, Dunbar Elementary PBS/Wellness Team, to hold a Buffalo Wild Wings Takeover Event at Buffalo Wild Wings in Salisbury, MD on Monday, November 24, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for purpose of raising funds to support PBS/Wellness activities. Buffalo Wild Wings will provide 20% of receipt sales. (Board previously approved at the October 15, 2014 Board of Education Meeting for event to be held on November 10, 2014; however that date became unavailable and new a date was selected). BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 7 of 11

8 c. Rentals i. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the request of Kevin Walmsley, Sponsor for Laurel Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball, to use Laurel High School Gymnasium on Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of hosting basketball game with fun activities. Admission charge is $2.00 per person. Rental and Custodial fees waived. ii. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brad Lee and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the request of Jana Pugh, Sponsor for Laurel Youth Sports, to use Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School Gymnasium from 4:00 p.m. to closing on Wednesday and Friday evenings on the following dates January through March 2015; January 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, 2015 February 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 2015 March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 2015 for the purpose of hosting Youth Basketball League. Rental and Custodial fees waived. iii. It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the request of Gary and Brandy Givens and Dean Culver, Sponsors for Swoop 12U, to use Laurel Intermediate Middle School Field House on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon beginning November 23, 2014 through April 5, 2015 (or for as long as the Field House is available) for the purpose of hosting SWOOP practices. Rental fees waived and Custodial fees as appropriate. d. Professional Trip(s) i. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the request of Laurel High School Band Instructor, Jason Rogers, for the High School Band/Color Guard (approximately 54 students) to travel to Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania for Adjudication of Band on May 22, 2015 departing at 5:30 a.m. from high school parking lot and to return at Midnight. Chaperones will include Mollie Hughes, Bonnie Elliott and Jason Rogers. Approximate cost of $51.00 per student to be collected from each student attending for cost of park admission ($39.00) and Adjudication Fee ($12.00). Fundraisers will be held by Laurel High School Band to fund transportation cost Rentals Professional Trips e. Class Size Waiver i. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the Waiver of Requirements per 14 Delaware Code 1705 (A) (a) requiring the ratio of students to instructors in any class in kindergarten or grades 1-3 in a BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 8 of 11

9 Delaware public school shall not exceed 22 students as of the last school day of October. In calculating such ratio, a classroom instructional aide shall count as equal to half a teacher. This subsection shall only apply to a class within which students are instructed in the core academic subjects of English/Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies. f. FY15 Comprehensive Calendar Revisions Discussion held on when new school building would be completed and adequate time for training of staff, most especially Maintenance and Nutrition Services. i. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice and seconded by Sabrina Taylor Isler to table until date certain of December 17, 2014 on the Laurel School District FY15 Comprehensive School Calendar Revisions; as submitted per memorandum to Board dated November 14, Possible Action on Executive Session Items Approval of Personnel A. Personnel i. Recommend to approve recommended personnel actions listed in attachments A, as submitted. It was moved by Patrick Vanderslice seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the personnel actions as listed in Personnel Attachments A. 1. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Stacey Moody as a teacher for the school year, effective December 1, 2014 (temporary contract) or other mutually agreeable date. 2. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Zachary Furbay as a Teacher for the school year, effective December 1, 2014 (temporary contract) or other mutually agreeable date. 3. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve the following teachers for the Laurel High School After School Program effective November 20, 2014: Andrea Davis Luis Melendez Lori Ann Rosa Mary Cass 4. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Lisa Langley as the Lead Teacher for the North Laurel Elementary School Bullpups Bound For Success (DOE Action List Intervention) Program retroactive to November 13, Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve the following teachers for the North Laurel Elementary School BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 9 of 11

10 Bullpups Bound For Success (DOE Action List Intervention) Program retroactive to November 13, 2014: Lisa Langley Patricia Truitt Karen Matthews Jamie Knapp Lindsey Williams Andrea Mumford Billie Davenport 6. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Lisa Langley for the North Laurel Elementary School Bullpups Bound For Success (traditional after school program) Program effective January 13, 2015 or other mutually agreeable date. ii. Recommend to approve recommended personnel actions listed in attachments B, as submitted. It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the personnel actions as listed in Personnel Attachments B. 1. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to accept Linda Jones retirement request effective January 1, Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve as a Paraprofessional Temporary Position at Western Sussex Academy for the school year, effective December 1, 2014 (temporary contract) or other mutually agreeable date. iii. Recommend to approve recommended personnel actions listed in attachments C, as submitted. It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler seconded by Brent Nichols and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the personnel actions as listed in Personnel Attachments C. 1. Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Kevin Walmsley as the Varsity Assistant Softball Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the school year, effective November 19, Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Vatina Hooper as the Volunteer Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Laurel Intermediate Middle School for the school year, effective November 19, Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Petrina Giles as the Varsity Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the school year, effective November 19, Recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve Antwon Trimball as the Head Varsity Wrestling Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the school year, effective November 19, BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 10 of 11

11 iv. Recommend to approve recommended personnel actions listed in attachments D, as submitted. It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the personnel actions as listed in Personnel Attachments D. 1. Recommendation to the Laurel School Board of Education to notify Jennifer Givens, Association Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Achievement in writing by certified mail of the Laurel School Board s intent not to renew her School Administrator s Contract dated January 28, 2014 and ending June 30, 2016 pursuant to Paragraph 5 of said contract, making Jennifer Givens last day of employment with the Laurel School District June 30, Mrs. Givens shall continue to fulfill all responsibilities given to her by the Laurel School District as an administrator for the remainder of the January 28, 2014 contract. 12. Future Agenda Items Future Agenda Items a. Next Regular Board Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at Laurel Intermediate Middle School Media Center. b. FY15 Comprehensive Calendar Revisions 13. Adjournment Adjournment It was moved by Sabrina Taylor Isler and seconded by Patrick Vanderslice and unanimously carried by roll call vote to adjourn the November 19, 2014, Laurel School District Board Meeting at 9:15 p.m. Signed: John D. Ewald John D. Ewald Executive Secretary BOE APPROVED_12/17/14 Page 11 of 11