MARIES COUNTY R-II SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD MEETING SUMMARIES
 
October 2007
November 2007
December 2007
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008
July 2008
October  2008

October Board Meeting Summary

1. During the payment of bills a board member pulled the bill from the board attorneys. The October total was $14,736.00. The September bill was $ 2,108 and the August bill was $4,872 for a total of $21,716.

2. Joey Butler made comment that he was very proud of the Girl’s Softball team and coaches this year.

3. I discussed the staph infection concern that is sweeping the nation right now. I mentioned that Kingsford donated 70 cases of Clorox wipes to clean desks etc at the end of each day.  We will also be giving extra cleaning emphasis to the locker rooms. All teachers need to stress that all children wash their hands on a regular basis. Buses will also be wiped down each evening.

4. The new A/C – Heating units were discussed and the concern was mentioned about the large number of problems that are occurring with the units. The board wants to have the company extent the warranty.

5. Hunting Club asked and was given permission to have a day for the members to hunt and give the meat to “Share the Harvest” program.

Old Business
1. The board discussed with the Architect drawings on a new classroom building to be built between the high school and elementary. The estimated cost came in too high so the board asked them to go back and make some cuts. Further discussion will be at the meeting in November.  One estimated cost was approximately $1,500,000.

2. Officer Pyle was present to discuss some changes in the elementary fire and tornado drills. The elementary is too crowded for the drill to be executed as it has in the past.  He presented new ways that were better and safer. The board gave their approval.

3. Mrs. Taylor was present to ask for approval of the Math and Building Trades curriculum guides. The board gave their approval.
A+ evaluation will be on November 30, 2007.

New Business
1. The 2006-07 audit was presented without any management letter. Board approved.

2. The November board meeting has been changed to November 29th due to the regular meeting falling on Thanksgiving Day.

3. An intercom for the high school was discussed. Two bids have been received to complete the system. One from Towner Corp. was $6,911.00 and one from CenturyTel was $9,935.00. The item was tabled until the November meeting so I can get together with Mr. Templeton on finances.

4. Mrs. Speichinger was present to discuss with the board the possibility of erecting a new sign out in front of the high school. They want an electronic display sign, but the cost would be in the range of $13 or $14,000. Board asked that she go back and get more information and see if cost could be reduced some way. Kathy also mentioned the FBLA’s new business of renting rug cleaning machines and selling the cleaning supplies.

5. Resignations
Mr. Keith Vawter has resigned as of the end of first semester. Also, Mr. Chris Mertz resigned the Senior Class sponsorship. All were approved by the board.

Employment of Personnel
Hired Mary Maddox as Student Council Sponsor of the high school.
Hired Kathryn Nilges as Speech and Drama Sponsor
Hired Barry Krause as Assistant Basketball Coach


January Board Meeting Summary

1.
   Superintendent’s Report:  I informed the board of the working relationship with the City of Belle Police regarding the handling of the crosswalk on highway M.  The school and the Police will share the responsibilities.

2.
  Patron made comment about the success of the elementary and middle school GVC Scholar Bowl.  Our district had a lot of individual success and the school as a whole won first place in the conference.

3. Superintendent’s Report:  Updated the board about the odor in the boy’s bathroom at the Middle School.  We will try and fix the problem this summer.

4.
    Plans for Additional Classroom Building:  After discussion the item was tabled and the board asked me to get a prioritized list from the building principals regarding needed repairs in their respective buildings.

5.
  Bids on hanging heaters for the high school and middle school gymnasiums are being rebid so everyone can have the same specifications.

6.
  The board granted Donavin Smith permission to graduate at semester and still go the graduation exercises.  

7.
  Lunch Report:  Students charging lunches were discussed at the meeting and a consensus was reached that board would allow the same procedure in the future as is going on now in relation to students charging lunches.

8.
  Approval of OPAA Food Services for 2008-09:  The board approved the OPAA agreement to run our food service for another year.

9.
  2007-08 Budget Update:  I discussed with the board the state of the budget through January of 2008.  At this point the budget is within its bounds unless something catastrophic occurs.  I told the board that I would have a preliminary budget for 2008-09 to show them at the February meeting.

10.
  Approve Enhancement Grant:  The Business Department presented to the board for their approval an enhancement grant that would require a 25% match for the district which would mean about $6,500.  Board Approved

11.
  Approval to Seek Bus Bids for 2008-09:  Board gave that approval

12.
  Approve April 2008 Ballot:  The board approved the ballot for the April election.  The only item the district has on the agenda is to elect three board members.  The slate of candidates is:

Greg Hicks
Paul Ridenhour
Matthew Stockton
Edward R. Pepper
Joe Lockard
Christy Miner
Linda Carwile
Christy Moman
Jeff E. Maples
R.K. Slinkman
Steve Horstman
Thomas R. Kinsey III

13.
  Approve CSIP Relative to AYP:  The board approved the changes that were necessary to align our CSIP because of our scoring on No Child Left Behind.

14.
Discuss and Decide on Bus Mechanic/Supervisor:  This item on the agenda pertained to whether or not we have one employee do the mechanic job and supervisor or split them.  The board decided to split them with the mechanic only reporting to the superintendent of schools.  The position of mechanic will pay $28,000 for 12 months.

15.
Discussion on Student Records Program:  Mr. Bingaman and Mr. Templeton have had meetings with two firms that have student records programs The board advised them to continue on with their information gathering and make a presentation after all is completed and a cost is known.

16.
 The board hired Mr. Daryl White, Jr. as the bus mechanic.

February Board Meeting Summary

1.
 Superintendent’s Report:  I updated the board on the progress being made by our new bus mechanic.  He is working diligently to get all of the buses in condition for our March Highway Patrol Inspection.  I also brought the board up to date regarding the heaters that are being installed in the middle school and high school gymnasiums.

2.
The only audit bid received to do the school audit was from Graves and Associates who have done our audit for the past two years.  The board gave approval for them to continue our audit for the next three years.

3.
  2008-09 Budget Revenue Projection:  I gave to the board my best estimate at the time as to the revenues we might expect for next year.  The state formula should generate in the neighborhood of about $136,000.  Additional revenues could be generated if the board would forfeit the voluntary rollback on the levy and add 21 cents.  This would bring in an additional $107,800.  In total this would mean an increase in revenue of approximately $243,800.  It is early right now, but figures should be culminating in the near future.

4.
Purchase of Bus:  The board purchased a bus from Midwest Transit Inc, for an ending price of $63,600.  This is after the trade-in.

5.
  Approve CSIP/Program Services Evaluation:  Mr. Templeton gave the report on the CSIP Program to the board and Mrs. Taylor gave the report on the Program Services Evaluation.  The board gave approval.

6.
  Review Maintenance:  The board discussed the maintenance program and the condition of our restrooms.  They felt that something needed to be done to upgrade them and make them more presentable. 

7.
  Review Prioritized Building Repairs:  The board voted to concentrate on repairing bathrooms in the elementary and high school and working to rid the odor in the bathrooms at the middle school.

8.
  Approve 2008-09 School Calendar:  The calendar was approved as presented.

9.
  Presentation from Booster Club:  Mr. Kurt Keeney was present at the meeting to discuss with the board the re-formation of the Booster Club.  He discussed some plans they have in mind to help the school and that they were putting together by-laws and would be back to the board to get their approval of the by-laws when completed.

10.
  Employment of Personnel

a.
   Josh Gray as Assistant Girls Soccer

b.
  Greg Stevens as elementary aide and Assistant Baseball Coach

c.
  Pep Club Sponsors were discussed but with the season over the board decided to table the        issue

d.
  Mrs. Ames, Mr. Smith, Mr. Templeton, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Bingaman and Mrs. Doss were all rehired for the 2008-09 school year.

March  Board Meeting Summary

1.
                  Comments from Visitors:  Kathy Speichinger reported on the progress of the electronic sign the FBLA is sponsoring that will be located between the high school and the elementary.  Rita Horstman represented the Strategic Planning Committee and recognized the outgoing board members.

2.
                  Comments from Board:  Concern brought up regarding a bus route with a bus backing out onto the highway.

3.
                  Patron Addresses Board:  Mrs. Nicole Rutledge addressed the board concerning a knife incident on the bus and was concerned that she was not notified of the incident.  She also wondered if an incident that happened to her daughter last year on the bus was properly investigated.  She wanted assurance that her children would be safe on the bus each day.  Mrs. Rutledge was told that the school would do all possible to assure their safety.
Old Business

4.
                  Sale of Two Buses:  The board agreed to sell two buses that are not being used any longer.  The high bidder was Copeland Bus Sales of St. James for a total of $3,156.00

5.
                  Discussion of Renovations:  Superintendent discussed with the board what direction they wanted him to pursue regarding the bidding process to renovate the high school and elementary school restrooms and the high school locker room.  The middle school locker rooms are also in need of repair.  They advised me to make contact with pipe fitters union to see if they could help work up specifications.  It is hoped that the renovations can be completed by the end of the summer.

New Business

6.
                  Discussion of Health Insurance:  Superintendent discussed with the board the outlook on health insurance for next year.  He reported that the increase would be significant and that the Health Insurance Committee would be meeting to make some decisions and then make a recommendation to the board.

7.
                  Set Meeting to Reorganize Board and Elect Officers:  This meeting has been set for April 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Administration Office Board Room.

8.
                  Approve Early Out for Student:  A senior was granted a daily early out for the remainder of the school year.

9.
                  Resignations:  Social Studies Teacher in the High School, Mr. Michael Menendez, Mrs. Edith Keller, Science and Spanish Teacher in the High School, Mr. “Butch” Gehlert Girl’s Basketball Coach in the High School and long time kindergarten teacher Mrs. Bonnie Brown is retiring.

10.
              Board Recognition:  After more than 15 years Roger Ridenhour did not file to run for the board again and will be leaving the board after April 8th, Mr. Joey Butler after 9 years on the board also did not refile for the board and Mr. Richard Gehlert after 3 years decided not to refile for the board.

11.
              The board also increased the mileage reimbursement up to $0.45 per mile beginning on July 1, 2008.

12.
              Employment of Personnel

A.
     All of the certified staff was rehired with Travis Plume, Amanda Seaver, Sunshine Shanks and Heather Weirich being approved as tenure teachers.

B.
     Marvin Thompson and Chasity Honse were approved as bus drivers.

C.
     Megan Krause and Chris Weaver were employed as custodians.

D.
     Josh Butler was hired as Assistant Baseball Coach

E.
      Rachel Wilburs was hired as Assistant Track Coach

F.
      Some of the Extra Duties responsibilities were approved for next year.
 

APRIL 24, 2008 BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

1.
                 Comments From Board:  Christy Miner made comment regarding the success of Tabbi Carwile and Lindsay Jenkins receiving a two rating at state music festival.  CONGRATULATIONS!

2.
                  Patron was present at meeting to ask for the board to allow more parents to ride the bus with the kindergarten students going to the zoo.  Board turned the situation over to Mrs. Ames and asked that she see what can be worked out to accommodate more parents on the bus without being too crowded.

3.
                  Superintendent’s Report:  I discussed the progress on the renovations to be done to the building restrooms and the additional classroom building.  I told the board that the architects are in the process of writing up specifications for the renovations and that they would be working to give some options on the classroom space.

4.
                  Decision on Health Insurance:  I discussed with the board my recommendation on health insurance for next year.  The board voted to accept the United Health Care Plan that set a base plan with an employee cost of $385.14 per month per employee with the option for anyone to buy-up to the next plan which has better coverage.  The employee will pay the difference between the two plans.  Also the board voted to abandon the Long Term Disability and Vision Plans that were paid by the district.  The vision plan will still be available, but the employee will have to pay the cost of it. 

5.
                  Discussion of the 2008-09 Budget:  The discussion mainly centered around the fact that I needed direction from the board as to where they wanted to place the levy for next year.  Did they want to voluntarily roll back as we did this year or leave the levy at the higher level as calculated by the State Auditor?  Their decision was to not voluntarily roll back the levy for next year which would mean the levy will be in the neighborhood of $3.33.

6.
                  The board approved the 2008 graduates.

7.
                  Salary Committee Proposal:  After much discussion the board voted to increase the base salary by $500 and give each teacher their respective experience step.  With these two items plus the increased amount in health insurance and the additional ½ percent in retirement the teachers will be receiving a $1,751 amount that will be applied to the budget for next year.  The request by the teachers to combine sick leave and personal leave in to one category and not require specific reasons for use was tabled until next meeting.

8.
                  Extra Duty Pay Schedule:  The board approved the extra duty pay schedule which is now determined by applying a certain percentage for each coach or sponsor on the current base salary on the schedule.  Increase will be approximately $6,000.

9.
                  Sale of Building Trades House:  The building trade’s house will sell by sealed bid at a scheduled board meeting on June 1, 2008.  The location will be at the building trades house itself at 4:00 PM.  Minimum bid on the house this year is $93,000.

10.
              Summer School Approval:  Board approved the summer school application.

11.
              Discussion of Options/GED Program:  Mr. Templeton discussed with the board again about implementing the program in our school.  This would give students over the age of 17 the opportunity to work toward a diploma in this program.  With new board members that are not familiar with the program it was tabled until the May meeting.

12.
              Decision on MSBA Membership:  Board agreed to continue membership in the Missouri School Boards Association.

13.
              Approval of Special Education Compliance Plan:  Board approved the plan and the Assessment proposal.

14.
              Resignations:  Tina Donehue-Senior Class, Stephanie Glader-Cross Country and Track, Jennifer Juergensmeyer-Assistant Girls Basketball, John Mahaney-Maintenance(Retiring in August), Hope Nilges-Elementary, Kathryn Nilges-Speech/Drama, Claudia Scherstuhl-Junior Class, Greg Stephens-Paraprofessional, Jamie Withouse-Board Member. 

15.
              Employment of Personnel:  Board employed non certified personnel.  Also hired were Caryl Koch and Bobbi Robertson to teach in the elementary building.

 

MAY 22, 2008 BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

I.                    The board of education appointed Mr. Tom Kinsey to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mr. Jamie Withouse.

II.                 Old Business

a.    Review of Preliminary Budget:  I discussed with the board the preliminary budget for 2008-09.  The budget for next year will comprise about $7,000,000 in expenditures.  Revenues will fall short about $236,000 short of expenditures, therefore we will be deficit spending about that amount.

b.    Non Certified Salary Increase:  The board approved a salary increase of twenty cents on the base for each person and were given their experience step, resulting in a 40 cent per hour increase.  This is approximately the same percentage as the certified staff received.

c.    Administrator Salary Increase:  The board approved giving the administrators a $900 increase, that being the same as the teachers received.

d.    Decision on Options/GED Program:  Mr. Templeton asked the board to approve this program that will help high school students that fall behind in credits to make those credits up and prepare them to take the GED test to qualify for graduation.

III.               New Business

a.    Report on A+ Program:  Mrs. Taylor discussed with the board the program and made mention that 7 students qualified for the program this year.  She also discussed the number of students that have signed up for the program in years to come.  Numbers are increasing each year providing the students meet the qualifications during their high school years.

b.    Approve Change in Assessment Plan:  Mrs. Taylor discussed with the board some date changes that needed to be made to the Assessment Plan.

c.     Review Bleacher Bids:  I presented two bids to the board for bleachers.  R.L. Jackson and Heartland Seating both submitted bids for the project.  Heartland Seating came in with the low bid of $76,639.  Seating capacity in the gym will now be approximately 855.  The work will be done sometime in September.

d.    Resignations:  After 31 years of service to the Maries County R-II School District Mr. Dwane Smith is retiring.  He will be greatly missed.  Others resigning were Laine Schafer, elementary teacher and Mr. Tim Robinson, special education teacher.

IV.              Employment of Personnel

a.       Amanda Butler – Elementary Aide

b.      Betty Anderson – Custodian

c.       Diane Batten – High School Science

d.      Greg Koetting – ½ time Social Studies and Girls Basketball Coach

 

JUNE, 2008 BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

 1.        No comments from visitors

2.         New Middle School Principal, Mrs. Bobbie Jo Lewis was introduced by Board President, Randy Jett.

3.         Superintendent’s Report: 
a.  Dr. Spessard gave an update to the board regarding the progress of the bleachers for the high school gymnasium. 
b.  Discussed bid received for tuck-pointing of all three buildings.  Quote was for approximately $120,000.  Board cannot afford at this time so it was dropped. 
c.  Dr. Spessard gave board a comparison of all non certified salaries with surrounding salaries.

4.         OLD BUSINESS

5.         Approved final budget and transfers for the 2007-08 school year.  Estimated ending balance of $1,021,924.

6.         NEW BUSINESS

7.         FFA made a power-point presentation of the past years activities.  Also, Mr. Mertz and Mrs. Koelling discussed with the board a grant received for buying guns for trapshooting.  Board decided they do not want the gun stored on school property.

8.         Board gave approval to enter into a lease purchase to buy a computer program for the Learning Center.  There will be three payments of approximately $10,000.

9.         There were no bids for bleacher demolition.  Tom Kinsey said he could get enough local men together to do the job and save the district $6,000 for the bleacher company to tear down.

10.       Professional Development Report was given by Denise Edwards.

11.       The 2008-09 budget was given tentative approve until the July meeting the county assessed valuations come in so we can get a better “handle” on our local income.

12.       The board gave approval to submit the June report of Core Data for the 2007-08 school year.

13.       The board set August 28, 2008 as the date for the Tax Rate Hearing at 6:45 pm.

14.       Review of classroom space was discussed by the board.  They were interested in possibly moving the fifth grade to Bland to give more room at the Belle Elementary.

15.       Resignations were submitted by:  Carrie Davidson, Pamela Fox, Stephanie Glader, Masima Newman, Tracy Withouse

16.       Employment of Personnel:  Kyle Mason – Special Education Elementary, Lynn Baker – Middle School Special Education, Diane Brown – Elementary Aide, Amanda Dozier – High School Aide, Faith DeRennaux – Middle School Aide, Norma-Gene Cottrell – Fifth Grade Teacher, Allison Brookshire – Fourth Grade Teacher, Constance Smith – Elementary Counselor, Butch Nie – Assistant Maintenance to replace John Mahaney when he retires.

 Summary of Board Meeting of July 24, 2008 

1.         The architects were present to discuss the bids regarding the bathroom renovations with the board.  The board had some concerns about the cost of the renovations especially since there are some roof leaks in the multi-purpose room in the elementary and a couple of leaks in the high school.  With this in mind and the concern about how much money we have available the board decided to wait on the renovations until we found out what the cost of the reroofing would be.  The renovations will be discussed at a later meeting.

2.         Comments from Board:  Tom Kinsey thanked those that help remove one side of the bleachers in the gymnasium.

3.         Dawn Hicks addressed the board:  Dawn was there to talk about the soccer program and said she wanted to turn the program and facilities over to the school, which included the gate and concession revenues.  The board thanked her for allowing the school use of the facilities.

4.         Superintendent’s Report:  A letter from OPAA Food Service was discussed regarding the possible increase in food prices during the year and how it would affect the school.  Also discussed were the leaks in the elementary and high school buildings.  The modular unit also has some leaking problems that we are needing to address.

5.         Setting Breakfast and Lunch Prices for 2008-09:  It was recommended that the lunch prices for next year remain the same even with the cost of food going up.  The only increase was an extra milk increased by 5 cents and kindergarten milk increased 50 cents when paid by the year.

6.         Approve Raises for Other Administrators:  The board agreed to increase the administrator’s salaries by the same 4% that teachers received.

7.         The board approved the plans submitted for the 2008-09 Building Trades House.

8.         The board re-approved the policy regarding board ethics to satisfy the Missouri Ethics Commission. 

9.         Review Budget Cuts:  At the last meeting I was asked to cut $100,000 from the budget and come back in July for approval.  The cuts were discussed with the board and the budget was approved.

10.       Permission was given to advertise for excavating and foundation work for the 2008-09 Building Trades House.

11.       Approve Staff Leave Policy:  The board approved the policy that will allow staff members to combine all sick leave and personel leave together and call it “Employee Leave”.  There will no longer be a designation between sick and personal leave.

12.       Review Possible Changes in Monthly Agenda Procedure:   The board decided to limit patrons speaking to the board during the Visitor Comments portion of the meeting to a total of 15 minutes.  No person can speak twice and each person is limited to 2 minutes as an individual.  It was stressed that if a patron wants to be on the agenda it should be done in writing at least 5 business days prior to the meeting.

 Summary of Board Meeting of October 23, 2008   

1.         Superintendent’s Report:  The board was informed that the metal roof on the modular unit had been installed.  I also mentioned to the board that our MSIP evaluation this cycle would be a partial waiver and we would have two targeted areas for review.  The two areas are Guidance and Counseling and Career Education.  There will not be a team come like the 3 cycles previous.

2.         The 2007-08 School Audit was discussed and approved by the board.  The ending balance was $981,000.

3.         Parents of a preschool child addressed the board asking for the son to be able to attend the Learning Center in Jefferson City.  After much discussion the board approved him attending four days a week.

4.         The counselors were present to make their buildings respective reports from last springs MAP results. 

5.         Discussion of Building Security:  The board discussed the possibility of putting a security check in the high school as you enter the front door.  A window would be put in the wall in to the secretaries office and a set of security doors would be installed in the archway as you enter the hall.  This way all people will have to stop and get approval to enter the building from the high school secretary.  The board said to proceed.

6.         Transportation Report:  The board approved the purchase of an oil burning heater for the bus mechanic area.  The unit will burn used oil. 

7.         Bids were opened for installing drainage behind the high school.  The board agreed to accept the bid from Justin Smith Excavating for $16,000.

8.         The board meeting for November has been changed to November 25th due to the regular meeting being scheduled on Thanksgiving Day.

9.         The board employed Dr. Richard Daugherty as Head Baseball Coach and Teresa Keller as Scholar Bowl Coach.