Petoskey High
School Media Center
1500
Hill Street
Petoskey,
MI 49770
231-348-2160
231-348-2100
(Spitler Administration Building)
SCHOOL
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
May 20, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Kanine, Mary Ling, Tom
Rellinger, Jack Waldvogel
Members Absent: None
Members Late: Jack VanTreese (arrived
8:25 p.m.)
CALL TO ORDER
President
Rellinger called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Rellinger led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Cathy Richardson, PHS Secretary
·
Invited
everyone to participate in a Rally for Education being organized by MEA to let
our legislature know that “Enough is Enough”.
We are encouraging community
support as we request consistent funding from the State of Michigan for Public
Schools. Gary McDowell will be speaking.
It is on May 24th with a walk beginning at 5:40 at NCMC and
proceeding to Pennsylvania Park.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Trustee Kanine
and supported by Trustee Ling that the written minutes of the Regular Meeting
of April 15, 2010 (including closed session minutes), the Special Meeting of
April 28, 2010; and the Special Meeting of May 10, 2010 be approved as
recorded.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
APPROVAL OF WARRANTS
It was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee
Ling that the warrants paid, as submitted by the administration, be approved in
the amount of $4,333,614.47.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
STUDENT RECOGNITION:
MATHCOUNTS
Kris
Opperman, advisor for MathCounts, introduced a team of middle school students
that received 2nd place in a recent competition. A couple of the students also placed
individually. The students were
congratulated by the Board and presented with pins.
|
Student |
Competition Placement |
Parents |
|
Ellison, Eli |
2nd place team |
Andy & Karly Ellison |
|
Gregory, Chase |
10th place individual; 2nd place team |
Mark & Pam Gregory |
|
Marsh, Chris |
1st place individual; 2nd place team |
Robert & Jill Marsh |
|
Rivard, Montana |
2nd place team |
Kimberly Overholt-Rivard |
STUDENT RECOGNITION: CAREER
TECH EDUCATION STUDENTS
Career
Tech students that had recently placed in various competitions were introduced
by their teachers and advisors: Joel
Hunt, Barb Kennedy, Adam Hausler, Larry Liebler, and Carla Zlotow (Jeff Baldwin
was unable to attend). Our students
have the opportunity to compete at the state, national and international levels.
|
Student |
Competition Placement |
|
Ashley Idalski Tricia Avery |
FCCLA Won Culinary Arts Division |
|
Tara Mangham Samantha Massey |
FCCLA Won Illustrated Talk Occupation Division |
|
Shawn Hewitt Tricia Crothers Erica Marquardt |
FCCLA Won National Programs in Action Occupational Division |
|
Cyle Turk Eric Sipe Matt Rapelje Brandon Gibson |
Building Trades 1st Place State Team Work Construction |
|
Alex Livingston |
MITES – Engineering/CAD categories 1st Place, 3rd Place, 9th Place, & 10th Place |
|
Ricky Zins |
MITES – Engineering/CAD categories 1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place, & 5th Place |
|
Derek Rasmussen |
MITES – Architectural Drawing categories 1st & 6th Place |
|
Nick Moore |
MITES – Architectural Drawing categories 1st Place |
|
Devin Odle |
MITES – Architectural Drawing categories 1st Place |
|
Mackenzie Kelbel |
MITES – Interior Drafting & Design categories 1st Place |
|
Jake Vaughan Eric Forbes Ryan Gibson |
Automotive Technology |
|
Jarrett MacVey Mariah Sweeney Tylor Bayer Neal Buckingham Sam Rojas Hannah Bachelor Charlie Smith |
International Qualifiers for DECA |
|
Rachel Gruler |
HOSA Regionals – 1st place Nursing Assisting Porter Vaughan Scholarship Recipient |
|
Tiffany Whitley |
HOSA Regionals – 2nd place Human Growth & Development |
|
Meagan Denison |
Odd Fellows Award Recipient |
RESOLUTION: COMPUTER
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE UPGRADE 2010
Kent
Cartwright reported that in keeping with the recently revised technology plan,
the District requested bids for purchasing the parts necessary to build 350
computers. Additionally, the District
requested bid pricing for the parts necessary to upgrade an additional 125
existing computers. Finally, pricing
was requested on software upgrades for all of these computers.
Bids
were received from six (6) vendors for the hardware, ranging from $166,700 to
$198,000. Pricing was reviewed for the
software and it was found that the current state-wide REMC software bid price
to be the best at $49,547.25. Our
technology department checked references on the apparent low bidders and are
satisfied with the results.
The
total cost of the two (2) bids is $216,247.25 and would come out of the General
Fund, using money earmarked for technology from the Vocational Education
millage. As part of our technology
refresh plan, the District has been setting aside money from this earmarked
source in order to be able to provide this type of upgrade.
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Ling to accept the bid
from Ewiz of $166,700 for the purchase of computer hardware, and to accept the
bid pricing of $49,547.25 from Michigan REMC for the purchase of software.
Steve
Neal addressed some questions, reporting that new and upgraded computers would
be placed in high traffic/use areas such as media centers, computer labs and
for secretaries. He noted that there
are huge savings to the district in building the computers ourselves. If needed, we may hire some students to help
the technology staff over the summer.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: PHS AUXILIARY
GYM BLEACHER REPLACEMENT
Mr.
Cartwright reported that the bleachers in the Auxiliary Gym at PHS were
identified as not meeting current codes.
While they are considered “grandfathered” and therefore we are not
required to bring them up to code immediately, they are also in need of
extensive repairs. These bleachers are
no longer in production and we are having a difficult time finding replacement
parts.
Quotes
have been requested for replacement and installation of the auxiliary gym
bleachers at the high school along with some limited work on both the middle
school gym bleachers and Central’s gym bleachers. The quotes ranged from $49,171 to $71,774 for replacement,
installation and repair of the identified bleachers. This project would be funded 1/3 from the General Fund out of the
Maintenance and Operation’s budget and 2/3 out of the Athletic Fund using the
accumulated fund balance.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee Waldvogel to accept the
bid from Interkal, LLC of Kalamazoo, Michigan of $49,171 for the replacement,
installation and repair of bleachers at Petoskey High School, Petoskey Middle
School and Central Elementary School.
In
response to a question, Mr. Cartwright noted that the bleachers would be code
compliant once this work was completed.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: MEMO OF
UNDERSTANDING RE: MICHIGAN’S “RACE TO THE TOP”
Dr.
Scholten reported that the purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding is to
establish a framework of collaboration, as well as articulate specific roles
and responsibilities in support of the MDE in its implementation of an approved
Race to the Top grant project. Dr.
Scholten noted that this is round two (2) of the application process.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee Ling to authorize
signature by the Superintendent and Board President for the attached Memo of
Understanding regarding the State’s “Race to the Top” plan.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: CHAR-EM ISD GENERAL FUND BUDGET
Dr.
Scholten reported that the 2010-2011 Char-Em ISD General Education Fund Budget
Resolution was provided to the Board in their packet. Dr. Scholten and Mr. Cartwright have reviewed the resolution and
recommend it for approval. We
appreciate the Char-Em ISD and all they do for our District.
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Kanine to accept the
2010-2011 Char-Em ISD General Education Fund Budget Resolution as
attached. (Attachment A)
AYES: Kanine, Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: CHAR-EM ISD
SCHOOLS OF CHOICE COOPERATIVE PROGRAM
Dr.
Scholten reported that a resolution to participate in the “Schools of Choice
Cooperative Program” for the 2010-11 school year was provided in the Board
packet. This resolution addresses
non-resident students residing within the Char-Em ISD. Currently, approximately 10% of our students
are attending under Schools of Choice.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee Ling that the Schools of
Choice Cooperative Program resolution for the 2010-11 school year be approved
as presented and attached. (Attachment
B)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: CHAR-EM ISD
SCHOOLS OF CHOICE 105C
Dr.
Scholten reported that a resolution “To Accept Non-Resident Students under Section
105C” for the 2010-2011 school year had been provided in the board packet for
review. This resolution addresses
non-resident students outside the Char-Em ISD.
It
was moved by Trustee Ling and supported by Trustee Kanine that the resolution
to accept non-resident students under section 105C for the 2010-11 school year
be approved as presented and attached. (Attachment C)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: MEMBERSHIP
RENEWAL
MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION (MHSAA)
Dr.
Scholten reported that the MHSAA membership resolution for 2010-11 had been
provided to the Board for review. The
MHSAA provides benefits, guidance and support.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee Waldvogel that the
resolution for membership with MHSAA for 2010-11 be approved as attached. (Attachment D)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
Trustee
Kanine asked if MHSAA had any liability remaining from a major lawsuit. Dr. Scholten did not have details regarding
that lawsuit.
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: APPOINT VARSITY
WRESTLING COACH
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Ling that Nathan Gross
be appointed Head Wrestling Coach beginning with the 2010-11 season.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
DISCUSSION; COST SAVINGS
2010-11
Copies
of the updated 2010-11 Budget Cut Plan Recommendation were distributed to the
audience. (Attachment E)
President
Rellinger reported that the School Board and Administration are in a tough
position. Our revenue from the state is
down, the economy is not good and we need to come up with a plan to cut $1.4
million from our operating budget. We
must look at making some changes within our structure to be competitive yet
fair in the current market. We need to
make sure we are getting insurance for the best price and, while very
unpleasant, we need to look at “people” costs to see if we can realign them
somehow. This is painful but we have to
act responsibly and look at all aspects to decide upon the best way to do
what’s best for students. He asked the
audience to please allow the Board to discuss the issue and then the audience
will have a chance to talk during the audience participation portion of the
agenda. He further reported that he had
read all notes/communications to the Board regarding budget cutting concerns.
Dr.
Scholten reiterated that these decisions are not easy and are not taken
lightly. After 10 years of declining
funding, school districts across the state are struggling. However, it is our responsibility to provide
a balanced budget. A work session was
held on May 10 to discuss budget cuts.
Dr.
Scholten reviewed each item on the 2010-11 Budget Cut Plan Recommendation
noting that at least $6 million had been cut over the past ten years.
The
Board then discussed the recommendation in detail. The following is a brief summary:
·
President
Rellinger: Not a fan of early
retirement incentives and will probably not approve another ERI. This doesn’t fix the problem and we could
still have layoffs.
·
Trustee
Kanine: Also not a fan of early
retirement incentives. It’s a bit
easier to talk about retirements rather than lay-offs. Nothing is easy, these decisions affect the
lives of our employees and their families.
·
President
Rellinger: We are currently paying 100%
in lieu of health insurance. Not a fan
of cash in lieu. Very lucrative for
employee and not sure it’s being fiscally responsible. Not convinced that 60% in lieu is the right
number. There are two (2) bargaining
units that have not yet begun negotiations, but Trustee Rellinger wants the
audience to know that they will be asking for concessions. Letters have gone out requesting the unions
to get the negotiation process started.
Remember that $1.4 million is not the total amount
of budget cuts. We are looking across
the board.
·
Trustee
Waldvogel: Will not support another
early retirement incentive.
·
Trustee
Ling: Supports the early retirement
incentive, but is concerned about the loss of experienced teaching staff. Will support ERI rather than layoffs. Does realize that there are people attached
to the recommended cuts. Realizes that
many of our aides are over qualified and do more than their job description
requires. Public Schools of Petoskey is
what we are because of the people. This
is very difficult.
·
Trustee
Rellinger: Our largest frustration is
that we have no control over our funding.
We can only look at reducing costs in areas that we control. We can’t control the retirement rate. Last year it was 16.94% and we have been
notified that it will be going up an additional 2.5% and we have no control
over that increase. ERI doesn’t help. Now 3% will be taken from all employees to
support retiree health insurance.
Funding from the state is still not finalized, but we must set our
budget by June 30. We need to rally the
troops and let the legislature know we need something done about funding for
schools. Our June meeting has been
changed to June 28th so that we have the most information that we
can before making our final decision on cuts for the 2010-11 school year.
We rely on our administration to tell us what our
resources are and we trust them to do the best with the funding we have. We are always open to more ideas regarding
cuts.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Carolyn
Matzinger, 5th grade teacher, Central Elementary
·
Appreciates
the Board very much.
·
Lack
of communication is frustrating. Detailed plan should be communicated to all staff. Same information to all staff on the same
day.
Sally
Oelke-Lydy, Aide, Ottawa Elementary School
·
Read
letter to Board regarding openness in communications. Copy of letter provided to Board Trustees.
Megan
Keller, 8th grade student, Petoskey Middle School
·
Asked
about elimination of field trips.
Mr. Cartwright explained that the General Fund can
no longer provide support for non-band, non-athletic field trips. Many groups such as boosters and PTO’s fund
field trips.
Lisa
Penberthy-Keene, 3rd grade teacher, Ottawa Elementary
·
Asked
why pay-to-play was eliminated from recommended budget cuts.
President Rellinger explained that the board felt
they needed to look at cost containment within our structure before asking the
community for support.
·
Asked
if any current employees are working without the option of family health
insurance.
Mr. Cartwright explained that there were some
options being proposed to aides regarding insurance and one of the options is
that while the district would pay for single subscriber insurance they would
have the option of “buying up” in order to have full family coverage.
Mr. Cartwright further reported that there are many
academic tutors with no benefits, there are approximately nine (9) custodians
with single subscriber coverage, and the administrators contracting through
ContractEd have no health insurance because they are retired and get retiree
benefits.
·
Mrs.
Penberthy-Keene asked if the funding situation were to improve, would full
family health insurance coverage be offered again?
President Rellinger noted that we need to look at
all aspects and be sure we have the best cost structure in place. No agreement tonight. We are looking at other cost-cutting
measures in addition to these recommended cuts. Everyone is valued.
Everyone contributes to the success of the district. We are trying to protect the classroom as we
examine budget savings ideas. President
Rellinger noted that the Board is in no way denying the value of our aides.
Randy
Handwerk, Aide, Building Trades, Petoskey High School
·
Reported
that aides held a meeting to brainstorm different cost saving ideas and are
suggesting the district look at pay-to-play and pay-to-ride bussing.
·
Expressed
concern that money for the Career Tech Center comes from Char-Em and those
aides shouldn’t be affected.
Mr. Cartwright provided details of the funding the
District receives for vocational education through Char-Em. He further noted that department wide
expenses are too high and there is not enough money to run programs. The district is trying to be as fair as
possible by cutting areas across the board.
Dr.
Mary Jo Flaherty, Petoskey Parent
·
Noted
that 80% of states in the nation are facing layoffs in education. Tough decisions need to be made. While she is concerned about how cuts affect
her friends in the community, her main concern is for the kids. She is glad the focus is being kept on
academics. She is concerned about the
impact the cuts will have on teacher/student ratios.
Dr. Scholten indicated that those ratios would
probably go up, but that decisions can’t be made until we have the results of
the early retirement incentive. He
noted that a lot depends on who exactly leaves and the district’s needs. Timelines are tight.
Lynette
Johnson, Health Care Aide, Petoskey Middle School
·
Questioned
the changes that have been made to the recommended budget cut plan as presented
at this meeting. The proposed cuts for
aides would be devastating to the aides and their families especially with the
tough economy we are currently facing.
Please look at other areas to trim such as: athletics, reduce Xeroxing, hire a fund development/marketing
person. Believes it’s a waste of money
to pay unemployment costs due to lay-offs.
Further, the district has invested a lot of money in training and
professional development for our aides.
President Rellinger noted that the input is
appreciated. Dr. Scholten clarified
that many issues were discussed in a meeting with the Aides, but it is still
unclear what the process would be to implement proposed changes. Further discussion followed regarding the
challenges, concerns and legalities of implementing the recommended budget cuts
in direct reference to the aides.
Glen
Young, English Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Congratulated
the MathCounts and Career Tech students for their many accomplishments.
·
Noted
that the media center can’t operate without a media center aide.
·
Suggested
the District look at the money being spent to update bleachers and on the
Veurink property.
President Rellinger noted that the Veurink property
is taken out of the Sinking Fund and thereby wouldn’t help the General
Fund. Further he noted that it is a
tough decision regarding the bleacher upgrades. Do we fix them? Or do we shut
down the whole gym, which definitely impacts teaching and learning? No easy answers.
Shelly
Gudmunsen, 3rd grade Teacher, Central Elementary School
·
Doesn’t
feel across the board changes are fair in regards to aides. Should look at training, years of experience
and seniority. Need to be people minded
in education.
Sue
Kurtz, Health Care Aide, Lincoln Elementary School
·
Noted
that she was hired through PCMI at $12 per hour and accepted it. Does not feel she should get a raise when so
many have wages being reduced.
Lynn
Whitfield, 2nd grade Teacher, Ottawa Elementary School
·
Suggested
looking at bussing options to save money.
Many innovative ideas nationwide.
Mr. Cartwright noted that Johnson Bussing has worked
very hard with the District to keep costs as low as possible.
Discussion followed regarding transportation.
Craig
MacDonald, Aide, Automotive Technology, Petoskey High School
·
If
there were no changes in current proposed funding to schools by June 30, would
the cuts still be made?
President Rellinger noted that the District needs to
see what the savings are as a result of the ERI. Further we need to look at all of the cost components within the
organization before making final decisions.
There are many unknowns. We have
to decide what we can and can’t afford any longer. The Board is trying to make decisions based on how they effect
teaching and learning.
Dr. Scholten reported that enrollment is an unknown
until fall. The last report from
Lansing indicates that things are better than we thought. However, we have heard this story before and
the Governor can readjust the budget and issue an executive order that changes
things again.
President Rellinger reported that there are many
variables, for instance, last year there was no cut but then there ended up
being a bigger cut than we budgeted.
This is an election year and its hard to say what will happen.
·
Mr.
MacDonald asked further questions regarding possible out-sourcing of
administrative jobs.
It was noted that the district has looked at those
options and they are not cost-effective.
Carla
Zlotow, Medical Occupations Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Suggested
that perhaps employees would voluntarily reduce their salary to avoid
lay-offs.
The idea was discussed and President Rellinger noted
that a 10% salary reduction across the board would result in approximately $1.2
million savings.
Joel
Hunt, Business Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Asked
if there had been any dialogue between local school districts regarding the
consolidation of services.
Dr. Scholten reported that discussion is ongoing
regarding consolidation ideas amongst districts and ISDs.
Karly
Ellison, Petoskey Parent
·
Noted
it appeared that one group was being targeted with cuts. Urged the Board to look at sports. Is the Superintendent’s salary in the range
of others? Look across the board, has
everyone taken a cut?
President Rellinger said that they are looking
across the board and noted that a large majority of the employees are
affiliated with a union.
Mr. Cartwright reported that a report out of Lansing
(MDE), Bulletin 1014, reviewed administrative costs in school districts. Based on costs per pupil, Petoskey is ranked
701 out of 830 districts. The report
was compiled before our special education director position was vacated and
absorbed without replacement. This is
an indicator that the focus of the District lies in placing its resources in
the classroom. Mr. Cartwright can
provide you the information you need to obtain a copy of the report.
Lynn
Eckerle, Petoskey Parent
·
Noted
that as a member of the business community she is concerned with the short-term
nature of the cuts. Realizes the
resources are not there and there are some things that are non-negotiable. Please consider that the community depends
on schools and the schools depend on the community.
Heather
Giammalva, Special Education Teacher, Petoskey Middle School
·
Expressed
that the teachers rely heavily on aides and value their training.
There
was discussion regarding aides and possible lay-offs. It was noted that a meeting was held with aides, Dr. Scholten and
Mr. Cartwright to talk about budget cuts directly affecting aides. It appeared that there was some confusion
regarding a possible lay-off scenario.
It was clarified that once a procedure was in place, the aides would be
notified as to their choices and that lay-offs may or may not be a part of that
procedure.
Karen
Nemecek, English Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Expressed
her thoughts regarding the re-consideration of pay-to-play. Also suggested looking at applying book
fees, bussing options, and possibly utilizing support for pay-to-play from PEF
and Community Foundation programs.
Trustee
Ling indicated that she was surprised to find out that parents seemed to be willing
to support pay-to-play sports. She also
feels boosters can come up with more monetary support. Discussion followed regarding the many
variables available for a pay-to-play program and what the original proposal
had been. It was noted that the original
recommendation was $35 per activity at the high school and $25 per activity at
the middle school with a maximum of $200 per family.
Janelle
Moore, Health Care Aide, Central Elementary
·
Expressed
her thoughts, that after 10 ½ years of service the proposed changes would
affect her wages as follows:
-
If
$13 through PCMI then earn $950 per month
-
If
$11.60 through Petoskey Schools then earn $750 per month
Trustee
VanTreese wondered if all employees would be willing to take a 5%-10% cut.
Hellene
Glaser, Health Care Aide, Central Elementary
·
Indicated
that the proposed cuts are tough. Very
concerned about the family plan of insurance and she explained how losing the
family coverage would put her family in a dilemma due to a pre-existing medical
condition.
Stasha
Simon, English Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Expressed
her pride in our district but is concerned about providing a living wage to our
employees so they can afford to live here.
Trustee
Waldvogel expressed his appreciation of the many comments and ideas heard this
evening. He reported that the Board is
not without compassion for the situations created by budget cuts to individuals
and families in our community. It is time
that we collectively go to the legislature and tell them they need to fix funding
for education. We need to work
together. Use the phone numbers listed
in the Petoskey News Review and call the politicians. These problems are statewide and not unique to Petoskey. We are doing the best with can with what we
have. We want to fight along side you,
not with you.
Shawn
Young, Academic Tutor, Central Elementary School
·
Indicated
that she is a PCMI employee and would be embarrassed to get a raise when others
are losing so much. Disagrees with
paying all aides at the same level.
Dr.
Scholten clarified that the recommended budget cut plan being discussed is made
up of proposals and are not final recommendations.
Craig
MacDonald, Automotive Aide, Petoskey High School
·
Asked
if the budget cuts impacting the aides provided funds back into the classrooms,
specifically CTE. Mr. Cartwright
explained the CTE budget.
Lynette
Johnson,
·
Supports
pay-to-play. Good for kids to learn to
earn money to participate.
In
response to a question, Mr. Cartwright noted that the current budget is
online. The budget forecast is not
currently online but he will try to get it out there soon.
Sally
Oelke-Lydy,
·
Expressed
questions regarding the re-application process for aides.
Kent
Cartwright noted that he has fielded many phone calls and will continue to do
so. If there are any questions, please
contact him directly. Everyone’s
situation is different and needs to be dealt with individually.
Tina
DeMoore, Petoskey resident
·
Expressed
agreement with Trustee Waldvogel regarding finding solutions to the budget
issues in Lansing. Elected officials
seem to be more concerned about being re-elected than about solving
problems. Call them and demand action.
Randy
Handwerk,
·
Suggested
the district look at pay-to-ride bussing through Johnson’s.
Mr.
Cartwright explained that there are many rules and regulations regarding
bussing. Our district covers a
comparable area to Gaylord Schools and our cost for transportation is at the
level that Gaylord’s costs were ten years ago.
Negotiations with Johnson Bussing are beginning now with a
recommendation to be made in July or August.
President
Rellinger noted that the following cost saving ideas need to be reviewed:
·
Should
there be an increase in wage for current PCMI aides from $12 to $13 per hour?
·
Look
at the possibility of pay-to-ride in order to reduce bussing costs.
·
Reconsider
pay-to-play option.
·
Consider
an across the board pay cut?
President
Rellinger also noted that they cannot negotiate publicly but will need to work
with collective bargaining units in order to obtain additional savings to our
budget.
President
Rellinger expressed appreciation for all comments. Be assured that we are not rushing into things and that we
understand that we are dealing with real lives. We are gathering as much information as possible and then making
decisions. We all want good solutions.
RESOLUTION: CLOSED SESSION
– CONSIDERATION OF STUDENT REINSTATEMENT
It
was moved by Trustee VanTreese and supported by Trustee Ling to convene a
closed session to deliberate upon a student disciplinary issue as allowed in
Section 8(b) of the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted. The Board
commenced to closed session at 10:05 p.m.
The student disciplinary hearing
was held.
It was moved by Trustee VanTreese
and supported by Trustee Kanine to return to open session.
AYES: Kanine, Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
Motion declared adopted. The Board returned to open session at 10:20 p.m.
It was moved by Trustee VanTreese and supported by
Trustee Kanine to conditionally reinstate said student. This reinstatement requires that specific
conditions be met that include, but are not limited to the following:
- Student would have a behavior contract and transition plan through
Public Schools of Petoskey and parent or her designee.
- Student would continue counseling or anger management training
through the existing community resources, as designated by their staff.
- Student would continue progress reviews through community agencies,
Public Schools of Petoskey, and parent.
- Student would face immediate consequences for failure to abide by a
choice of action or condition.
- After a period of adjustment time, if student is unable to make the
transition to a regular high school setting, then alternative educational
opportunities may be considered (e.g., Orion Alternative School).
There was discussion regarding the audience input at
this meeting. The Board directed Mr.
Cartwright to provide information and cost regarding the grandfathering of
current aides that have insurance.
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business, it was moved by Trustee VanTreese and supported by
Trustee Kanine to adjourn.
AYES: Kanine, Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 11:17 p.m.
______________________ _____________
Thomas D. Rellinger, President
___________________________________
Mary B. Ling, Secretary
___________________________________
Michelle M. Nichols, Recording
Secretary