* The Board of Education recognizes the value
to school governance of public comment on educational issues and the importance
of allowing members of the public to express themselves on school matters of
community interest.
In
order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comment, the Board
shall provide a period for public participation at every public meeting of the
Board and publish rules to govern such participation. These rules are available at each Board
meeting. Anyone desiring to speak is
asked to make this request in advance.
Participants must be recognized by the presiding officer. Comments shall be directed to the presiding
officer; not to Board members individually. Board Bylaw 0169.1
ORGANIZATIONAL
MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 
ROLL CALL: Mr. Honkala, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Timmons, Mr. Manfredi and
Mr. Koster.
Swearing
in of newly elected or re-elected Board Members:
Tim
Honkala Roger Miller James Koster
Mrs. Tramont swore in Mr. Honkala and Mr.
Miller, while Mrs. Koster swore in Mr. Koster.
Election
of Officers
Mr. Honkala nominated Mr. Manfredi for President.
Motion made by Mr.
Honkala to approve Mr. Manfredi as President.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Mr. Manfredi nominated
Mrs. Timmons for Vice-President.
Motion made by Mr.
Manfredi to approve Mrs. Timmons as Vice President.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Newly elected president assumes responsibility for the meeting.
Local
Operations and Committee Liaisons:
Motion made by Mr. Honkala, seconded by Mr.
Miller, to Appoint Local Operations and Committee Liaisons as follows:
-
Athletic
Boosters: Mr. Manfredi, Mr. Koster
-
Facilities
Committee: Mr. Miller, Mr. Honkala
-
Educational
Liaison: None.
-
Strategic
Plan Committee: Update in March.
-
Legislative
Liaison to OSBA: Mr.
Koster
-
CRC
Committee for the tax abatement area: Mr. Honkala, Mr. Manfredi, alternate
-
Representative
to B.C.P.A.: Mr. Miller, Mrs. Timmons, alternate
-
OSBA
Representative: Mrs.
Timmons
-
OSBA
Alternate: Mr.
Manfredi
-
Vocational
Representative: Mr.
Miller
-
Tunebackers: Mr.
Honkala
-
STPO: Mrs.
Timmons
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Business Items:
Motion made by Mr.
Manfredi, seconded by Mrs. Timmons, to approve the Business Meetings of the
Board of Education to occur on the first Monday of each month at the Berkshire Jr./Sr. H.S. Library,
July – No Meeting September 3rd
– (Note Wednesday)
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr.
Honkala, seconded by Mr. Miller, to set compensation of Board Members at $80.00
for a maximum of twelve (12) regular or special meetings per year, as per Board
Policy.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mrs.
Timmons, seconded by Mr. Manfredi, to authorize the Treasurer to set up Board
of Education Service Fund for Board expenses in the amount of $2,000.
Mr. Manfredi asked if this covers travel
expenses. Mr. Knapp said, yes, all board expenses. Mr. Koster asked the
Treasurer if this has changed in the last five years and if conference costs
come out of this fund since it seems very low. Mrs. Tramont could not
say what the amount has been for the last five years at this time but that all
conference costs are included in this amount. Many of our board members
conference costs were covered by other entities and we have not exceeded the
amount in the last two years.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr.
Koster, seconded by Mr. Manfredi, to authorize the Treasurer to amend the
certificate of estimated resources with the County Auditor with such amendment
to be presented for approval by the Board at the next regular or special
meeting.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr.
Honkala, seconded by Mr. Miller, to authorize the Treasurer to make
appropriation transfers within funds and make temporary transfers to deficit
funds as needed for 2008.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr.
Honkala, seconded by Mr. Koster, to authorize the Treasurer to liquidate
obsolete, broken, or otherwise unused school district equipment valued at less
than $1,000 per item.
Mr. Miller asked what the process for
disposal was. Mrs. Tramont stated that the buildings administrators are to
send a list of items to be disposed to the Treasurer and if there is no value
or no possibility to sell the items, they are then approved to be properly
disposed of and removed from the capital assets records. Mr. Koster asked if $1,000
was our state limit. Mrs. Tramont responded no, our state limit for reporting
purposes is $2,500. This allows us to get rid of junk without having to have
board approval each time.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr.
Miller, seconded by Mr. Honkala, to approve the attendance and the expenditure
of funds for the Superintendent and the certificated staff and school support
personnel (at the Superintendent’s approval) and the Treasurer and treasurer’s
staff (at the treasurer’s approval) for inservice meetings, conferences,
clinics and workshops within the State of Ohio during 2008.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mrs.
Timmons, seconded by Mr. Manfredi, to authorize the Treasurer to request
advances on taxes collected until further notice, approve and authorize them to
be direct deposited.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Superintendent’s Report and Recommendations (Organizational)
Motion made by Mr.
Manfredi, seconded by Mr. Honkala to approve the following recommendations:
1.
Designate the Curriculum Director as local coordinator of
all Federal and State programs.
2.
Authorize the Superintendent to apply for grants deemed to
be of value to the
3.
Authorize the Superintendent to serve as the purchasing
agent for the school district.
4.
Authorize the Superintendent to hire personnel as needed,
including substitutes, and accept resignations, with Board action to follow at
the next meeting.
5.
Designate the Superintendent to serve as the district’s
Asbestos, Toxic Hazard Preparedness Officer and OSHA Compliance Management Plan
Coordinator.
6.
Authorize the following groups to be retained on the
District liability policy as eligible school groups ($70.00 cost to each
group):
·
·
American Field Service (Foreign Exchange Student Program)
·
·
Troy P.T.O.
·
S.P.T.O. (Jr./Sr. High School)
·
Tunebackers
·
Mr. Koster asked if this $70 is in the
current policy or following an old policy and if they have food liability in
addition to this policy for food sales. Mrs. Tramont said she would have to look into
that and will let the board know. Mr. Manfredi asked if we could make sure that
these groups allow Mr. Knapp and Mrs. Tramont to review their finances. Mrs. Tramont stated that we have always been
able to request monthly and yearly financial statements from all groups. Mr. Manfredi said we
need to make sure we have this in writing that we want this information on a
regular basis.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
REGULAR JANUARY MEETING
BUDGET HEARING:
Mrs. Tramont presented
the Tax Budget for Fiscal Year 2009 for discussion. The figures for the general
fund are based on the tax information provided by the
Motion made by Mr.
Miller, seconded by Mr. Manfredi, to approve the Fiscal Year 2009 Tax Budget as
presented.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Press
Release:
Mr. Manfredi read a press release regarding
Auditor Taylor recognizing the
Mr. Manfredi then thanked Mrs. Tramont, Mr.
Knapp and the office staff for their hard work.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
Motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Honkala,
to approve the minutes of the December 12, 2007 Regular
Meeting.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Expenditures:
Motion made by Mrs. Timmons, seconded by Mr. Miller,
to approve the expenditures in the amount of $837,196.75 for
the month of December and any necessary for January, along with month end
reports, including the amended certificate.
Total General Fund Certified Revenues: $10,600,119.11; Total All Other
Funds Certified Revenues: $1,638,215.75.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Interest Earned:
The treasurer earned
$15,452.52 in interest for December investments. The total fiscal year-to-date earnings are
$104,701.04. Current interest rate: Star 4.44%, Huntington 5.50%, Charter One
4.18%.
Appropriation Modifications:
Motion made by Mr. Manfredi, seconded by Mr.
Honkala, to approve all appropriation modifications for January
as needed. Total General Fund
Appropriations: $10,517,275. Total All Other Funds Appropriations: $1,575,661.14.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Restroom Renovation
Bids:
Motion
made by Mrs. Timmons, seconded by Mr. Miller, to authorize the Treasurer to
advertise for bids for the high school student restroom renovation project with
such bids to be awarded at the March 2008 Board meeting.
Mr.
Manfredi asked if there are drawings available for the completed project and
asked if it starts when school is out. Mr.
Miller asked what the scope of the project was. Mr. Koster asked if this would bring everything up to code. Mr.
Knapp said there are drawings with Burt Hill Architects for the project which
we want to start when school is out in June and have it completed by
mid-August. There are four restrooms that will be renovated bringing them up to
current code, leaving two small restrooms for a later date.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
VOCATIONAL REPORT
Mr. Miller reported
that they are meeting the next day and have 1 new board member. Mr. Manfredi asked if
they are still discussing a levy. Mr. Miller said yes, in
November and they are working to get more information out.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Several Committee
meetings are to be held this month.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS (PRINCIPALS’
UPDATES)
Mrs. Symsek introduced
Mrs. Keefe, the first grade teacher, and her students for a presentation on
academics. The students that participated were Emily Dingman, Clark Jackson,
Sam McClintock, Marisa Miller, Shannon Valerio and Jacob Wichert. They
demonstrated how they are learning big/challenging words and read the Board a
story. Of the 27 students in her class, 10 of them are finished with the first
grade reading program. Mrs. Keefe also wanted to thank all of the wonderful
volunteers in the classroom. They are a welcome addition to the school day.
Mr. Kostiha, the 6th
grade teacher, said he is very appreciative of the chance to give music to the
students. Four Hiram students will be helping with the music program in the
near future. Our volunteers like Mr. Moore also make it easier to give the
chance for a music program to the students. We are very appreciative for all
his work with the students. Mr. Moore, who volunteers with the 5th
and 6th grade students for the music program, brought along the
trumpet section to play 2 tunes for the board. The group included Kyle
Kaniecki, Lindsey Burnett, Ian Moore and Ronnie Simplson. Mr. Moore said he is
very proud of the kids; they work by themselves and as a team to achieve what
they have thus far in the year. They did
a great job!
Mr. Knapp highlighted
his “Redirecting Our Efforts” newsletter – The Mid-Year Update. Includes some
updates on the building project, the work being done on curriculum, teacher
evaluations and supplemental program, and the staff changes we have seen since
the beginning of the school year.
Mrs. Timmons asked if there was something
planned for the teacher development day. Each building is doing
something on their own for 2 hours and then the rest of the time is for grade
compilation. Mr.
Koster asked if the classified staff is included. Mrs. Symsek said they are when there is
something appropriate to their group going on otherwise they plan something
else.
PERSONNEL:
Certified:
Motion made by Mr. Manfredi, seconded by Mrs.
Timmons, to approve the Substitute Teachers on
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr.
Honkala, to approve the following Supplemental Contracts:
·
Linda
Stone, Sixth Grade
·
Amy
Vinecourt, Sixth Grade
·
Janet
Duns, Sixth Grade
·
Debbie
Zenz, Sixth Grade
·
Donna
Bixler, Sixth Grade
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Classified:
Motion made by Mrs.
Timmons, seconded by Mr. Manfredi, to approve Nance
Call-Szorady as a substitute, (Required checks
completed).
Roll Call: All
Ayes. Motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS ITEMS:
Motion made by Mr. Honkala, seconded by Mrs.
Timmons, to approve the annual membership in Ohio School Board’s Association
and subscription to the Briefcase.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr. Honkala, seconded by Mr.
Miller, to approve the annual 8th grade trip to
Mr. Miller
asked what percentage of the class will be going. Mr. Reedy said about
80% will be going, The organization donated so one student could go. There will
be one chaperone per 10 students. Mr.
Manfredi asked if we will get a list of those going including the chaperones. Mr.
Knapp said yes, in March.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr. Manfredi, seconded by Mrs.
Timmons, to appoint Lynda Miller as a Burton Public Library Trustee effective
as of this date (January 9, 2008),
for a term ending on December 31, 2014.
Mr. Knapp
stated that we do this since we are the appointing authority. Mr. Koster asked if
anyone knew this person. Mrs. Timmons
said she met her at the library. Mr. Knapp said this is the name we were
given and we do not usually question it.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made by Mr. Manfredi, seconded by Mr.
Honkala, to adopt the following Neola Board Policies:
New
Policies:
1340 1541 3140 4120.08 8141
Revised
Policies:
1240.01 2430 2431 2623 3120.08
3139 3142 4121 4139 4140
5111 5517.01 5540 9800
Replacement
Policies:
3121 5611 8600.04
Mr. Koster
asked how you review a policy and is there a committee responsible for this. Mr. Knapp responded
that we have Neola keep us updated on current language and changes needed, then
they are given to the board members to review and question. Upon approval, we
contact Neola and they update it, and post it to the web.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Mr. Knapp suggested
that the Board Retreat be held on
Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 8:30 am to 12:00 p.m. He will look for a
location. Board members need to let him know what items they would want to
discuss.
Evaluation Committee
meeting will be held on January 14, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office.
Supplemental Committee
meeting will be held on January 22, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the Central Office.
Mr. Koster asked if this is part of the
negotiated contract. Mr. Knapp stated it is to discuss what programs we should
offer, what the costs should be, that type of thing. Mr. Honkala and Mrs.
Timmons are on the committee.
Mrs. Timmons stated
given Mr. Knapp’s indication of retiring, she had looked into groups that
complete superintendent searches. She thinks we need to at least hear them out.
Mr.
Manfredi asked if they may consider coming to the retreat. Mrs.
Timmons asked Mr. Koster what he thinks of the two companies and if he had any
experience with them. Mr. Koster said he is not opposed to either organization
being considered, he is aware of both groups and participated in doing a local
search. Mrs.
Timmons said we can consider having them come to a meeting if we need to. Mr. Manfredi stated that we want to make sure
we leave no rock unturned – with internal and external searches.
Open Public Participation
None.
Executive Session
Motion made by Mr. Honkala,
seconded by Mrs. Timmons, to go into executive session for the purposes of
Personnel with no action to occur afterwards.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Motion made at: 7:12 p.m.
Entered Executive Session at: 7:15 p.m.
Exited Executive Session at: 8:01 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion made by Mr. Honkala,
seconded by Mr. Miller, to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call: All Ayes. Motion carried.
Meeting
was adjourned at: 8:02 p.m.
___
Mr.
John Manfredi,
President
______
Mrs.
Merry Lou Tramont, Treasurer