10-19-2020 Board of Education Meeting Minutes

VIRTUALLY PRESENT: H. Burnett

ABSENT:   none

OTHERS VIRTUALLY PRESENT: Mark Kurland, Phil Place, Mark Frey

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Superintendent Robinson and the Executive Team provided their updates respectively.

School Highlight – Mr. Mark Frey the BVA, CTE, and Athletic Coordinator pointed out new items purchased for the CTE classes. He informed the board of the influx of BVA applications in September and those on track to graduate before Christmas break. He spoke of a survey sent out to BVA students/parents regarding schooling plans at semester, if they plan on staying virtual or going back to in person. He congratulated all fall sports team on a great season finishes.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Nominees included:

– Abby Cantu, BHS Administrative Assistant
– Brenda Hemphill, Moccasin 4th Grade Teacher
– Dr. Michael Dunn, Moccasin Elementary Principal
– Kristen Wahlstrom, BCS Transportation
– Marion Hurd, Ottawa Elementary School Administrative Assistant
– Trinity Young, BMS Media Assistant
– Wendy Murphy, Ottawa Elementary School Literacy Coach

Updates for BHS, BMS, Moccasin, Ottawa, Athletics/CTE/BVA, Special Education, Assistant Superintendent, Business Office, Food Service, and Information Technology were provided respectively.

Superintendent Robinson informed the board and community members that if there are any concerns addressed by community members in the future, we will post the question and answer on the BCS district website under Community Dialogue Responses found under the Board of Education portion of the website.

1. Minutes:

9-21-20 Regular Meeting

2. Warrants:

Expenditure Reports & Payroll – September

3. Recommendations to Hire as submitted by:

BCS Operations Supervisor, Mr. Daryl Miller (contract attached)

BCS Food Service Supervisor, Mrs. Becky Kaltenbach

BCS Director of Technology, Mr. Phil Place

BCS Business Director, Mrs. Tricia Lowery

4. Staff resignation as submitted:

Lindsay Harroff – JV Girls’ Basketball Coach

Kristen Wahlstrom – BCS Bus Driver

Victoria Whitfield – Operations Utility Staff

5. Maternity Leave as submitted:

Abby Cantu – BHS Administrative Assistant to the Principal

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

WHEREAS, the administration has presented to the Board of Education, a recommendation concerning the expulsion of a student who was in violation of Buchanan School Board Policy #5500 & #5530 on Tuesday, October 13^th, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the administration has notified the student and parent(s) involved of the accusations against the student, the recommendation of expulsion, and their rights to a hearing on this date;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

The Buchanan Board of Education hereby chooses to expel student #600653 from attendance in the Buchanan Community Schools effective immediately for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year with the following conditions to be met for possible reinstatement to Buchanan High School for first semester of the 2021-2022 school year:

1.       Through the remainder of the second semester of the 2020-2021 school year, we request that student #600653 successfully complete the current school year while attending BVA, the Step Up Program, or another alternative setting.

2.       The student must have a substance abuse evaluation/counseling completed with an outside the school district professional (responsibility of parent/guardian) prior to re-admittance meeting with the Superintendent of the Buchanan Community Schools.

3.       Upon the completion of the first two steps the student and parents/guardians must contact the Superintendent of Buchanan Community Schools to schedule a re-admittance hearing back into Buchanan Community Schools.

4.       Any recommendation will be reviewed by the Buchanan School Board before a decision to reinstate student #600653 will be made. Student may be readmitted if all Board policies have been met.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

The board wished Mrs. Sater congratulations and a wonderful maternity leave.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Superintendent Robinson gave a brief summary of each policy.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Superintendent Robinson mentioned a need for monthly reconfirmation.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Whereas the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect school operations due to the need to comply with Executive Orders, to comply with appropriate guidance on safety protocols for reopening schools, and ensuring appropriate educational services; and

Whereas, the Board intends to comply with its legal obligations, including relevant Executive Orders, and, accordingly, temporarily suspend or alter affected policies and guidelines as necessary to comply with its legal obligations, and otherwise take required actions consistent with its legal obligations; and

Whereas the Board of Education finds that the current environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic requires that the Superintendent be granted greater flexibility to respond quickly and appropriately to the evolving crisis, including ensuring compliance with Executive Orders and also adapting to the changing environment, including provision of alternative modes of instruction; and

Whereas under board Bylaw 0131.1 , the operation of any section or sections of Board policies not established by law or contract may be suspended temporarily by a majority vote of Board members at a public meeting held in compliance with law and Board policy;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education grants to the Superintendent the following temporary powers to address the COVID-19 emergency throughout the duration of the 2020-2021 school year:

1. Authority to temporarily waive such Board policies or provisions of Board policies as the Superintendent shall deem necessary to comply with Executive Orders and with guidance from appropriate health or governmental authorities or as necessary for an effective response to COVID-19 related issues and implementation of the District’s Preparedness Plan.

1. Authority to take any lawful actions necessary to comply with Executive Orders, to ensure the continuation of public education, to provide for the health and safety of students and employees, or to respond to direction from appropriate health and government authorities. Such actions may include, but are not limited to: adjustments to the curriculum and the provision of alternative educational program options; adjustments to the calendar; adjustments to employee work schedules and assignments; adjustments to the delivery of school-provided meals; limitations on access to property owned or controlled by Buchanan Community Schools hiring of providers and/or partnering with other districts or ISDs; applying to any governmental body for financial or other aid as may be available; and applying to any governmental body for waiver of regulations or requirements, compliance with which is affected by the COVID-19 emergency.

1. Authority to enter into contracts without board approval for any dollar amount necessary for the purchase of materials, equipment, supplies or services for sanitation, cleaning, technology or other needs directly related to the COVID-19 emergency situation, provided such action is consistent with all applicable state and federal laws.

1. Authority to institute new policies or procedures to implement the Executive Orders and/or the Preparedness Plan, including, but not limited to, policies requiring face coverings, imposing mandatory quarantine measures, and limiting access to the school building or educational/extracurricular activities.

NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent is directed to keep the Board of Education informed of any actions taken under this emergency authority as soon as is practicable in light of the circumstances.

NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the temporary powers authorized by this Resolution are in effect for the duration of the 2020-2021 school year, unless otherwise rescinded or extended by the Board upon majority vote.

NOW, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that execution of this Resolution is conclusive evidence of the Board of Education’s approval of this action and of the authority granted herein.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  C. Lee, H. Burnett, R. Writer, D. Wentworth, J. DeVlaminck, K. Laesch, and S. Tobler

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Mr. DeVlaminck provided an update from the Personnel Committee Meeting. The members spoke about raising the pay for the BCS Transportation Supervisor position. They also spoke about raising the pay for our bus drivers and hiring a high school administrative assistant. Lastly, Mr. DeVlaminck spoke of keeping a guidance counselor for second semester at BHS.

Mrs. Tobler spoke about the need for positive support of our election nominees.

Dr. Burnett thanked Mrs. Tobler for her comment and shared details regarding Dare Graduation at the Middle School.