BEDFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Temperance, Michigan Minutes of the May 5, 2011, Board of Education Regular Meeting The Bedford Public Schools Board of Education met for a Regular meeting at Monroe Road Elementary School. The President, Dr. Tim Brakel, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Other Board Members present were Dale Barton - Secretary, Joseph Gore, Kim Hooper, Ann Myers, Michael Smith, and Shawna Smith. Also present were: Dr. Ted Magrum Superintendent, Jonathan Whan Assistant Superintendent, Instruction and Student Services, Howard Schwager Director of Human Resources & Labor Relations; Josh Dyer Chief Financial Officer; and Courtney Thomas, Student School Board Representative. There were 78 people in the audience. Call to Order Student Shelby Beavers led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Hooper moved: That tonight s Agenda be adopted, as printed. Mr. Barton moved: That the Minutes of the May 4, 2011, Special Board Meeting, be approved, as printed. Mrs. Smith moved: That the Minutes of the May 4, 2011, Board Executive Session, be approved, as printed. The first recognition tonight was of Mule Muscle, Inc. for their donation of the new High School Weight Room. Dr. Magrum gave a brief history on how the new project was accomplished: Mule Muscle entered and won the Pepsi Challenge contest, with a prize of $250,000, which was used for the construction of the weight room. Dr. Magrum then introduced Rebecca Regnier, who read a formal proclamation letter donating the Weight Room to the District at no cost to Bedford Schools. Ms. Regnier stressed that this couldn t have happened without community support. She also expressed special thanks to Michelle German; Tom Martin; and William Regnier for their efforts; and also paid tribute to all the people who made this project possible. She invited everyone to the official dedication on August 13 th. Ms. Regnier accepted a plaque on behalf of Mule Muscle, Inc. and was congratulated by the Board, Administration, and audience. The next recognition was of the Bedford German Team. Dr. Magrum introduced the five students, who enjoyed their best ever performance at the University of Toledo Foreign Language Day competitions on March 31 st. The Team was awarded the outstanding school trophy for placing first among all schools and languages in total points earned for all events. They also received 9 individual rewards, and students Jerry Rand, Nick Adams, Kristel Koevenig, Greg Pontasch, and Claire Chantiny were all honored for their accomplishments. They were presented with awards, and congratulated by the Board, Administration, and audience. Pledge of Allegiance Adopt Agenda Approve Minutes of May 4, 2011 Special Board Meeting Approve Minutes of May 4, 2011 Executive Session Recognitions and Presentations - Mule Muscle, Inc. Donation of Weight Room - Recognition of German Team
Minutes of the May 5, 2011 Board of Education Regular Meeting Page 2 of 7 The next groups recognized were some of the District s Robotics Teams. First introduced were the Smith Road Stingers, Junior FIRST Lego League winners. Dr. Magrum introduced Bekah May and Shelby Beavers, who gave an audio-visual presentation on the Stingers competition. Team members Rowan Brittain, Alison Brothers, Tristen Nieman, Krista Roessle, Kylie Russ, and Natalie Stretten were introduced and presented with certificates by Dr. Brakel; and all were congratulated by the Board, Administration, and audience. Dr. Magrum then recognized the High School Bedford Express Robotics Team. He gave an account of the many accomplishments the Team achieved this year. Dr. Magrum introduced Team Coaches Debbie May, Paul Cook, and Nick Poskarbiewicz. Next introduced and recognized were team students Alex Adkins, Shelby Beavers, Nick Bird, Sami Brossia, Mark Damazyn, Kailey Doherty, Andrew Gin, Zachary Gore, Becky Herroon, Amanda Isom, Anthony Krieger, Austin Manor, Bekah May, Matt McCormick, Melissa McNulty, Mark McNulty, Parth Patel, Alan Reed, Robert Sauter, Taylor Schafer, Brandon Sidoti, Logan Simmons, Daniel Smith, Logan Smith, Chris Sommers, Jeremy Thomas, Conner Tominello, and Kayla Tracy. Dr. Magrum also commended Team Mentors Tom Lingle, Bill Sommers, Cheryl Sommers, Bruce Meyer, Kevin McCormick, John McNulty, Frank Mojzesz, and Hannah May. The final group recognized this evening were members of the Technology Renewal Committee. Dr. Magrum introduced former Superintendent Jon White, who spoke briefly on how the millage was again successfully renewed. Mr. White then introduced committee members Charlie Maenle and Bill Henning. Mr. Maenle commented on how much fun he had serving on the committee, and Mr. Henning also commented on how much he appreciated being on the committee. Mr. White thanked the Board for their support; thanked Becky Regnier who used technology to help get the word out ; and stressed that even though the committee did background work and organizational tasks, it is really our entire community who is responsible for this success. Mr. Henning, Mr. Maenle, and Mr. White were presented with awards, and thanked by the Board, Administration, and audience. There was no Public Commentary Mr. Barton reported on Correspondence received. Reports were given by the Liaison to Bedford Township Government, for the Legislative Relations Network, the Michigan Association of School Boards, the Monroe County School Board Association, R.S.V.P., the Policy Committee, and by the Student School Board Representative. - Recognition of Bedford Express Robotics Team, Coaches, and Mentors Brief Recess Resume Meeting Public Commentary Board Correspondence Board Reports
Minutes of the May 5, 2011 Board of Education Regular Meeting Page 3 of 7 Tonight s Superintendent s Report was a Budget Legislation Update on what is happening in Lansing. Dr. Magrum explained that this report follows last month s report on the federal budget situation. Dr. Magrum explained some of the most important current information, including the push for full day Kindergarten. He explained that if the state cuts funds for half-day Kindergarten, the District would be better off holding full day which may come to pass. Dr. Magrum also touched on insurance costs and estimates, and explained incomes vs. expenses. He ended his report by stating that it would be a tremendous help if the District could get definite answers and decisions; and stressed the importance of labor negotiations and how they affect the budget the longer they go on, the less savings the District has. A question and answer period followed. Mr. Whan presented the Instruction Items. Mr. Smith moved: That the Motions for Instruction Items 1 through 3, be adopted, as recommended. Superintendent s Report Instructional Items Approve Instruction Items 1 through 3 The motions approved under the Instruction Items were: That the Teacher / Staff Appreciation Week Resolution, be adopted, as recommended. That the School Nurses / Health Aides Day Resolution, be adopted, as recommended. That the Michigan Week Resolution, be adopted, as recommended. Mr. Schwager presented the Personnel Item. Mrs. Smith moved: That the Bedford Transportation Association Contract, for the period effective July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2012, be ratified, as recommended. Mr. Hooper supported the motion. Discussion followed. A Roll Call Vote was taken: Mr. Barton yes, Dr. Brakel yes, Mr. Gore yes, Mr. Hooper yes, Mrs. Myers yes, Mr. Smith yes, and Mrs. Smith yes. Motion carried 7-0. - Adopt Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week Resolution - Adopt School Nurses / Health Aides Day Resolution - Adopt Michigan Week Resolution Personnel Item Motion to Ratify BTA Contract for July 1,2010 through June 30, 2012. Roll Call Vote Motion Carried 7-0
Page 4 of 7 Mr. Dyer presented the Operations Items. Mr. Barton moved That the motions for Operations Items 1 through 5, be adopted, as recommended. The motions approved under the Operations Items were: That the contract, with T.J. Roofing, Temperance, MI; for the roofing replacement of the south portion of the roofs at the Senior High School and Temperance Road Elementary School; for a total cost of $293,082.00; be authorized, as recommended. Funding is from the Sinking Fund Millage. That the contract, with Total Environmental, Toledo, OH; for the removal of asbestos flooring tile and mastic at Douglas Road Elementary and Temperance Road Elementary Schools; for a total cost of $30,530.00; be authorized, as recommended. Funding is from the Sinking Fund Millage. That the contract, with Testing Engineers and Consultants, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan; for the environmental consulting services related to the removal of asbestos flooring at Douglas Road Elementary and Temperance Road Elementary Schools, to a cost not to exceed 49,000.00, be authorized, as recommended. Funding is from the Sinking Fund Millage. That the contract, with Shock Brothers Flooring, Roseville, Michigan; for the purchase and installation of porcelain tile in the Douglas Road Elementary hallways and cafeteria, at a cost of $163,500; and the contract with Tristate Flooring, Toledo, Ohio; for the purchase and installation of porcelain tile in the Temperance Road Elementary hallways, at a cost of $105,400; for a total cost of $268,900.00, be authorized, as recommended. Funding is from the Sinking Fund Millage. That the President and Secretary of the Bedford Public Schools Board of Education authorize and order the Treasurer to disburse from the General Fund as of April 30, 2011, Payroll in the amount of $ 4,168,231.22, Accounts Payable in the amount of $ 987,059.97, for a total disbursement of $ 5,155,291.19 ; that the Financial Reports be placed on file for audit; and that the following General Fund book balances at the authorized banks shown below be approved as of April 30, 2011: Operations Items Approve Operations Items 1 through 5 Contract for Partial Roofing Replacement at SHS & TRE Contract for Removal of Asbestos Tile at DRE & TRE Contract for Environmental Engineering Services for DRE & TRE Tile Removal Contract for Tile Installation at DRE & TRE Payment of Bills and Banks of Depository as recommended. Key Bank $ 5,288,947.44 MB&T 190,283.09 Flagstar CD 0.00 5/3 Bank 11,151.77 $ 5,490,382.30
Page 5 of 7 Mr. Dyer explained the Monroe County Intermediate School District Budget, which had also been presented at the Committee of the Whole Meeting April 21 st. Mr. Dyer answered questions from the Board. Mr. Smith moved: That the Resolution In Support of the Monroe County Intermediate School District Proposed 2011-2012 Budget, be adopted, as recommended. Mr. Hooper supported the motion. Discussion followed. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Barton yes, Dr. Brakel yes, Mr. Gore yes, Mr. Hooper yes, Mrs. Myers yes, Mr. Smith yes, and Mrs. Smith no. Motion carried 6-1, with Mrs. Smith voting no. Dr. Magrum explained the Authorization to Approve Advertising and Naming Rights Agreement for Football Field at Bedford Community Stadium. Mr. Smith moved: That That the Advertising and Naming Rights Agreement for Bedford Community Stadium, between Bedford Public Schools and Grogan s Towne Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, be approved after the three Board Meetings, as required by Board Policy #4750, as recommended. Mr. Barton supported the motion. Discussion followed. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Barton yes, Dr. Brakel yes, Mr. Gore yes, Mr. Hooper yes, Mrs. Myers yes, Mr. Smith yes, and Mrs. Smith no. Monroe County ISD Proposed 2011-2012 Budget Discussion Roll Call Vote Resolution Adopted BPS Stadium Advertising & Naming Rights Agreement Motion for Second Consideration of Authorization to Approve Advertising & Naming Rights Motion carries Motion carried 6-1, with Mrs. Smith voting no. Public Commentary was heard from Jane Crafts regarding the Transportation Association Contract and budget cuts; Anita Lambert regarding the District recognition of the Secretary s Association: Lyndsay Mylek-Douge regarding the Focus Art Show; and Micheline Sheppard, Gail Keane, and Denise Goerlich regarding the Proposed Advertising & Naming Rights for the Community Stadium. Debbie Kraftchick, PTSA President, reported that the PTAs (and PTO) are moving forward enthusiastically to help the students and parents with upcoming transitions, and commented that everyone is excited about reactivating the PTA at the High School. Sherry Farnan, Principal of Jackman Road Elementary, reported that everyone at the elementary level is working together to facilitate changes; announced that they are working on using common forms in every building for both teachers and parents, which will help keep vital information consistent for all; that next week parents can come in and fill out input forms about their children as well as meet with staff to talk about their child s unique qualities and needs; and reported that this year, there are 81 new students at the Jr. High who are National Honor Society Members. Public Commentary PTA/PTO Administration
Page 6 of 7 Mr. Schwager expressed how proud he is of the students here tonight; commented that as a former skilled trades person her understands the need for working with your hands as well as with computers; and wished everyone a Happy Sinco de Mayo. Administration (continued) Mr. Whan commented on how great it is to see the number of students from each school building their knowledge and becoming skilled in so many areas and that it is amazing what this generation is doing. Mr. Dyer reiterated Mr. Whan s comments, saying it is great to see the types of things our young students are doing; that these activities encourage leadership; thanked the Technology Renewal Committee, Administrators, and Staff for their hard work and support; and thanked the Transportation Association for their willingness to work on issues and their creative suggestions, resulting in agreement on the contract. Dr. Magrum commented that he is proud to be able to recognize our students; and expressed his appreciation for the Public Commentary from the Transportation Association, and clarified that the administration did take cuts last year. Mrs. Myers congratulated tonight s students the German students and the robotics teams; thanked everyone for the Technology Millage Renewal because with the money the District is losing, we need the Technology funding more than ever; and thanked the Transportation Association for helping the District by coming to the table and being willing to negotiate their contract. Board Members Mrs. Smith congratulated the German students, commenting on the difficulty of learning that language; congratulated the robotics teams; thanked the Transportation Association and the administration for coming to agreement; thanked everyone with Mule Muscle, Inc. for their hard work; expressed her appreciation to everyone who voted for the Technology Millage and especially to the committee who worked so hard; apologized to the Bedford Secretarial Association that they were not recognized and expressed the desire to correct that situation; thanked Courtney Thomas for serving as Student Board Representative; and wished everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Mr. Hooper expressed his apologies to the Secretarial Association, and commented on their great value; thanked the Transportation Association for ratifying their contract and taking the lead and remarked on how the bus drivers have the most safety sensitive jobs ; congratulated Mr. Smith on his re-election to the Board; congratulated Wayne Meehean for winning the second open seat on the Board; congratulated Courtney Thomas and wished her good luck ; and thanked all for their remembrances of Memorial Day. Courtney Thomas thanked the Board and Administration for having her as the Student Board Representative.
Page 7 of 7 Mr. Gore began by congratulating the robotics teams commenting that he was involved for many years, that the program is phenomenal, that Ms. May has done a terrific job, and that, unlike turning pro from playing sports (which is limited), all robotics participants can turn pro. Mr. Gore also commented on the elementary robotics programs; thanked everyone for the passage of the Technology Millage; congratulated Mr. Smith and Mr. Meehean; and thanked the Transportation Association for their willingness and for getting the ball rolling. Board Members (continued) Mr. Smith wished all of the mothers in the room a Happy Mothers Day, commenting on their importance in educating our children. He also thanked the Secretarial Association for all they do; thanked the Transportation Association for their help in trying to keep our District solvent; commented that it s wonderful to see the student achievements month after month; and urged everyone to keep contacting our legislators to let them know what they are doing is not enough. Mr. Barton thanked and congratulated all who were recognized tonight; wished everyone a Happy Mother s Day; thanked Transportation and the Cabinet; thanked all of our staff, including the Secretaries, as we are all part of the team. He commented that working together is what makes this a great district and enables us to celebrate all the achievements at the beginning of our meetings. Dr. Brakel commented on the fact that two groups were not formally honored the Secretaries and Parapros, and thanked them publicly for what they have done throughout the years; thanked Ms. Crafts and the Transportation Association for stepping up to the plate; commended the German students, commenting that the standards are very high for the competition; remarked on the continuous excellence of the robotics programs; thanked everyone for the Technology Millage Renewal; thanked Mr. Smith and Mr. Meehean for their willingness to serve on the Board; and recognized our mothers (for Mothers Day) and all our veterans for giving us our freedom. Mr. Hooper moved: To adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Motion carried unanimously Adjournment Dale W. Barton - Secretary