Petoskey High
School Media Center
1500
Hill Street
Petoskey,
MI 49770
231-348-2160
231-348-2100
(Spitler Administration Building)
SCHOOL
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
June 28, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Members Present: Bill Kanine, Mary Ling, Tom
Rellinger, Jack VanTreese,
Jack Waldvogel
Members Absent: None
CALL TO ORDER
President
Rellinger called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Rellinger led the Pledge
of Allegiance.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved by Trustee Kanine
and supported by Trustee VanTreese that the written minutes of the Regular
Meeting of May 20, 2010 (including closed session minutes)
and the Special Meeting of June 17, 2010 (including closed session minutes) be
approved as recorded.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, 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 $1,989,487.34.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
MICHIGAN
ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BOARDS (MASB)
Dr.
Scholten reported that the cost to renew membership with MASB for 2010-11 is
$4,787. MASB provides the district
support through programs and services – from legislative representation to
on-call assistance on matters ranging from the open meetings law to board
leadership training.
It
was moved by Trustee VanTreese and supported by Trustee Kanine that the Public
Schools of Petoskey renew its membership in the Michigan Association of School
Boards, Inc., for 2010-11, per the attached invoice for $4,787. (Attachment A)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: ALTERNATIVE
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Dr.
Scholten reported that there are some education programs in the area that
provide an option for students needing an alternative to traditional education
programs. The attached cooperative
agreements between the Char-Em ISD and our District provide that the District’s
Foundation Allowance (for referred students) be paid to the fiscal operating
district of these programs. Resolutions
to participate are also attached.
District students do participate in these programs except for the
Midtown Academic Programs.
Resolutions
and cooperative agreements are for the following programs:
·
Alternative
Program for School-Age Parents (New Horizons)
·
Midtown
Academic Programs
·
Crooked
Tree Alternative Program
·
Lakeview
Academy
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Ling that the attached
Cooperative Agreements and Resolutions be approved for the 2010-11 school
year. (Attachment B)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: APPOINT HEAD
HOCKEY COACH
Dr.
Scholten reviewed background information regarding Craig Coxe, the recommended
candidate for the Head Hockey Coach position.
It
was moved by Trustee Ling and supported by Trustee Kanine that Craig Coxe be
appointed Head Hockey Coach beginning with the 2010-11 season.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: UPDATE TO POLICY 3610 PURCHASING GOODS AND SERVICES
Dr.
Scholten once again reviewed the recommended change to Board Policy #3610
Purchasing Goods and Services.
First
Reading: June 17, 2010
Recommended
Approval: June 28, 2010
It
was moved by Trustee Ling and supported by Trustee VanTreese to approve Board
Policy #3610 Purchasing Goods and Services as attached. (Attachment C)
AYES: Kanine, Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese,
Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: 2010 TAX
REQUEST
Mr.
Cartwright reported that the “Truth in Budgeting Act” (Section 16 of the
Michigan Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act) requires a statement of the
total number of mills of ad valorem property taxes being levied, and that the
Board of Education which approves the levy also cites the purpose for which the
millage is levied.
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Kanine that the Board
of Education approve the 2010 Tax Rate Request (form L-4029) for submission to
the Emmet County Clerk’s Office, as well as copies to the Equalization
Department(s) and all township and city clerks. (Attachment D)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: CHANGE ORDER #1
– ATLAS ELECTRIC
Mr.
Cartwright reported that during the review of the bidding documents and the
pricing submitted for the lighting project during bids, some items were
identified as being more expensive than the budget could afford. Subsequent review of these items,
specifically lighting fixtures in the PMS front and side foyers, found that a
savings of $10,340 could be found by substituting different fixtures. The impact on the aesthetics and light
levels would not be noticeable.
Accepting
this change order to move the total contract price from $273,528 to $263,188
will bring the project within $10,000 of the budget parameters originally
anticipated. The remaining overage can
be absorbed by the project contingency.
It
was moved by Trustee Ling and supported by Trustee Waldvogel to accept Change
Order #1 to the Atlas Electric contract in the amount of a deduct of $10,340.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: COST SAVINGS 2010-11
Dr.
Scholten noted that copies of the cost savings recommendations were available
to the audience. He reported that the
need for the budget reductions has been discussed and reviewed in great
detail. While none of us like any of
the proposed cuts during this time of economic uncertainty we have no choice
but to proceed since the State requires that we have our 2010-11 budget in
place by June 30th. We need
to get the word to the State that “Enough is Enough”, school funding has
continued to decline for the past ten years.
At this point in time, we are acting upon the best information we
have. Dr. Scholten read alerts from
Northern Michigan School Legislative Association (NMSLA) and Michigan
Association of School Administrators (MASA) regarding the uncertainty of school
funding for the upcoming year. He noted
the importance of keeping our expenses in line with our revenue even though there
are so many variables attached to the revenue we receive. One area of uncertainty is student headcount
for the year, which we won’t know until September. At this point we are estimating a drop in count of 13 students. We have a responsibility to act on the
budget while keeping in mind the best interests of the District.
Dr.
Scholten then reviewed each proposed budget cut on the list (Attachment E).
President
Rellinger reiterated that they have been looking at ways to balance the budget
for quite some time. A lot of
assumptions must be made due to unknown revenue from the State. The Board Members are not in total agreement
on the proposed cuts and no one wants to make cuts, however it is our
responsibility to provide a budget by June 30th.
President
Rellinger opened the discussion to the audience.
Karly
Ellison, Petoskey Parent
·
Requested
information regarding specific salaries for the Superintendent, CFO and
Director of Teaching and Learning. Also
asked if any cuts had been made to those salaries in the last three years.
President Rellinger noted that she should make her
request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Lisa
Penberthy-Keene, Teacher at Ottawa Elementary
·
Asked
how much it costs to run the district per day and if the Board had considered
extending the school day but shortening the number of days?
Discussion followed and it was noted that this
option had been considered but was removed from the list of recommended cuts.
Carla
Kanine, Teacher at Central Elementary
·
Noted
that recent changes in Lansing indicate that the required number of hours /days
for instruction may be increasing.
Those numbers are controlled by the legislature.
Dr. Scholten agreed with Mrs. Kanine that required
days and hours may increase and that fact was considered when reviewing the
budget situation.
Brad
Licata, Substitute Teacher
·
Asked
if the proposed teacher cuts affected programs for elementary and middle school
students like it would at the high school level, specifically the
Hospitality/Foods program.
Dr. Scholten indicated that some programs would be
affected, but that decisions have not yet been finalized regarding how the
reduction in teaching staff would affect assignments due to contractual
obligations that the district has regarding posting of vacated positions.
David
Klink, Petoskey Resident
·
Wondered
if snow days affected the district’s budget.
Mr. Cartwright noted that the first couple of days
would have no impact on the budget but after 2-3 days there would be some minor
savings. However, he noted that any
savings would be offset by the costs of plowing/shoveling snow.
Jean
Bester, Petoskey Resident
·
Expressed
concern regarding changes in the Commercial Foods program.
Amy
Dionne, Teacher at Sheridan Elementary
·
Expressed
concern regarding the effects of Pay-to-Play sports, especially at the middle
school level. Hopes that any
scholarship programs would somehow be tied into the free and reduced lunch
participants to insure that all students have the opportunity to participate. Has seen some statistics that indicate that
the number of participants go down when Pay-to-Play is put into effect.
Trustee Ling indicated that she shared the same
concerns. It was noted that parents are
paying for sports at all levels already and the hope is that if families are in
need of financial support for Pay-to-Play that somehow they will get it,
whether through boosters, community support, or scholarships. Trustee Kanine noted that the Petoskey
community is very supportive if they hear of a need.
President Rellinger noted that the Board would be
watching the effects of Pay-to-Play very closely.
Jamie
Buchanan, Teacher, Petoskey High School
·
Asked
for confirmation that if the budget picture were to improve then there would be
significant changes in the proposed budget cuts and that these budget cuts
represent the very worst case scenario.
President Rellinger reported that even if the
revenue picture is better than anticipated the proposed changes may not be
impacted significantly. We need to
examine our resources and be sure they are set at an appropriate level. For instance, if we are paying too much for
insurance perhaps there is a different source that would cost less. Or we might look at the practice of paying
cash in lieu of insurance and what percentage we pay out, if any
percentage.
President Rellinger further noted that the
District’s costs per employee have risen over the years. The Board is not targeting any one group in
particular. If there are changes to our
revenue we will re-evaluate the budget situation at that time.
Mr. Cartwright noted that even with the proposed
budget cuts, the 2010-11 budget is still not in balance, we will be $600,000 -
$800,000 out of line. We have to put
together a comprehensive multi-year plan.
There are many pieces to the puzzle that will determine where we land at
the end of 2010-11. He noted another
major funding issue is that this is the last year for federal funding
supporting our per pupil allotment in the amount of $118 per pupil.
Chris
Reyner, Aide, Central Elementary
·
Asked
a question regarding aides’ health insurance.
Mr. Cartwright offered an explanation.
Matt
Bester, Petoskey Resident
·
Expressed
some questions and concerns regarding the continuation of the Hospitality/Foods
program at the high school.
Dr. Scholten and Mrs. Bergmann assured him that the
program would not be discontinued. The
tentative plan is to offer the introduction class next year and then post the
teaching position and continue the entire program starting in 2011-12.
Sally
Oelke-Lydy, Aide, Ottawa Elementary School
·
Asked
if Pay-to-Play would apply to other extra curricular activities besides
athletics.
Dr. Scholten noted that while we are still in the
development stages regarding the Pay-to-Play process, various clubs and
activities may also be included. Details
will be released when available.
·
Asked
if there were going to be cuts in the bussing contract for next year.
Mr. Cartwright noted that the negotiating process
has begun and based on fuel prices the cost may increase 1 ½ %. However, he further noted that employee
costs were not going up.
·
Asked
what timelines were for negotiations.
President Rellinger noted that dates are set for
negotiations with both PEA and PESPA but the process itself has no
timeline. He further noted that
everything is open to adjustments because the budget is based on so many
assumptions that could change. This is
unfortunately the nature of our finances.
The State is in control of the revenue.
Karly Ellison, Petoskey Parent
·
Expressed
concern that we would pay more for bussing when the economy is down.
President Rellinger noted that if you compare our
district to similar districts we have saved significantly on our bussing over
the years. However, we are still
negotiating this year’s contract and continue to do our best to get the best
deal.
Tina
DeMoore, Petoskey Resident
·
Asked
for confirmation regarding field trips.
Dr. Scholten noted that the funding for non-band and
non-athletic field trips is being eliminated.
If support groups can raise money to cover the costs of field trips they
will be able to take them.
In
response to a question by Trustee Ling regarding some aides working for PCMI
and some aides working for Petoskey Schools, Mr. Cartwright reported that
whatever decisions are made regarding aides will not be impacted by who issues
their paycheck.
It
was moved by Trustee Waldvogel and supported by Trustee Ling to implement the
attached cost savings (reductions) proposal.
In the event that State revenue increases, the administration will
re-examine aide compensation along with any other priority line items. (Attachment E)
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: 2009-10 FINAL
BUDGETS
Mr.
Cartwright reported that per State regulations, budget(s) must be approved by
the Board of education prior to July 1, 2009 for the 2009-10 Fiscal Year. The budget(s) may be amended as needed to
reflect changing needs and actual costs.
Mr. Cartwright proceeded to review the major changes for the final
budget(s). It was noted that the audit
of the 2009-10 fiscal year would begin in July.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee VanTreese that this
resolution shall be the appropriations for the Public Schools of Petoskey for the
fiscal year 2009-2010: A resolution to
make appropriations for expenditures and provide for the disposition of their
fund incomes received by the Public Schools of Petoskey, per the enclosure.
(Attachment F)
General
Fund: $26,048,948
Special
Revenue Funds: $ 1,631,341
Capital
Projects Funds: $ 1,857,157
Debt
Service Funds: $ 2,608,605
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools is hereby charged with
general supervision of the execution of the budgets, and shall hold the
appropriate administrators and/or supervisors responsible for the performance
of their responsibilities within the amounts appropriated by the Board of
Education and in keeping with the budgetary statements hitherto adopted by the
Board.
This
act is to take effect on June 28, 2010.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: 2010-2011
INITIAL BUDGETS
Mr.
Cartwright reported that per State regulations, budget(s) must be approved by
the Board of Education prior to July 1, 2010 for the 2010-2011 Fiscal
Year. The budget(s) may be amended as
needed to reflect changing needs and actual costs. Mr. Cartwright proceeded to review the proposed budget that
included the cost savings measures as approved.
Trustee
Rellinger requested an updated list of Sinking Fund projects.
It
was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by Trustee Waldvogel that this
resolution shall be the appropriations for the Public Schools of Petoskey for
the fiscal year 2010-2011: A resolution
to make appropriations for expenditures and provide for the disposition of
their fund incomes received by the Public Schools of Petoskey, per the
enclosure. (Attachment G)
General
Fund: $24,880,175
Special
Revenue Funds: $ 1,648,699
Capital
Projects Funds: $ 1,101,891
Debt
Service Funds: $ 2,597,873
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools is hereby charged with
general supervision of the execution of the budgets, and shall hold the
appropriate administrators and/or supervisors responsible for the performance
of their responsibilities within the amounts appropriated by the Board of
Education and in keeping with the budgetary statements hitherto adopted by the
Board.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education will levy 18.0000 mills of ad
valorem property tax on non-homestead property for the purpose of general
operations, 1.3193 mills of extra voted building and site tax for the purpose
of sinking fund permissible projects, and 1.7500 mills of extra voted debt
retirement tax for the purpose of bonded debt payments.
This
act is to take effect on July 1, 2010.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
RESOLUTION: REQUEST FOR
SPECIAL MEETING – ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Per
Board Bylaws a special meeting for the purposes of the annual Organizational
Meeting was requested. It was noted
that President Rellinger would be unable to attend the morning of the 12th.
It
was moved by Trustee Ling and supported by Trustee Kanine that a special
meeting of the Petoskey Board of Education be held on Monday, July 12, 2010 at
9:00 a.m. in the Board Meeting Room of the Spitler Administration Building,
1130 Howard Street, to elect officers of the Board of Education as well as
designate bank depositories, schedule regular meetings of the school board, and
perform other related duties.
AYES: Kanine,
Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The
motion was declared adopted.
EDUCATION REPORTS
Gary
Hice, Athletic Director
·
Reported
on the amazing accomplishments of 2010 graduate Joey Garber who won the
Michigan Amateur tournament in addition to being named Mr. Golf two years in a
row.
Randy
Handwerk, Aide, PHS Building Trades
·
Reported
that in Petoskey had a team win 2nd Place in a national
competition. The same team of Cyle
Turk, Eric Sipe, Matt Rapelje and Brandon Gibson was recognized at the May
Board Meeting for taking 1st Place State Team Work Construction.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORTS
Trustee
Ling congratulated and thanked the people involved in the following two
projects for going the extra mile to fund programs that they are passionate
about:
·
The
Band Program recently surpassed it’s goal of $80,000 to fund new band uniforms.
·
Beth
Kavanaugh won an award worth $25,000 from Kellogg.
Trustee
Kanine noted that the district is losing a number of good people through the
recent retirement incentives. He
thanked them for their service and wished them well.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr.
Scholten reported the following:
·
Dave
Gracy was instrumental in the investigation of the vandalism at Petoskey Middle
School. The vandals have been
apprehended and justice will prevail.
·
There
will be a Legislative Summary Conference in Traverse City on July 29th.
·
The
Petoskey Education Foundation is working with Tom Bailey to implement a
scholarship in memory of Jane Bailey.
Details will be forthcoming.
·
Reported
that Jack Waldvogel would be taking Dr. Scholten’s place as President of the
Petoskey Rotary Club.
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
None
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business, it was moved by Trustee Kanine and supported by
Trustee VanTreese to adjourn.
AYES: Kanine, Ling, Rellinger, VanTreese, Waldvogel
NAYS: None
The motion was declared adopted. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
______________________ _____________
Thomas D. Rellinger, President
___________________________________
Mary B. Ling, Secretary
___________________________________
Michelle M. Nichols, Recording
Secretary