BUCHANAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
MAY 20, 2019 REGULAR MEETING BUCHANAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
| CALL TO ORDER |
PRESIDENT: Dr. Harvey Burnett opened the meeting at 7:11 pm
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| ROLL CALL |
PRESENT: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett ABSENT: None
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| OTHERS PRESENT : Timothy Donahue, Daryl Miller, Mark Kurland, Stacey DeMaio, Stacey Denison, Karla Hurlbutt, and Brian Pruett
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| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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MOTION by J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer the agenda for the regular meeting of May 20, 2019 be adopted as written.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| President Harvey Burnett Motioned to have agenda Items I, II, and III moved before Information and Reports.
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| CLOSED SESSION – STUDENT DISCIPLINE
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Motion By H. Burnett, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Buchanan Board of Education move into closed session at the parent’s request for hearings on student discipline.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| OPEN SESSION | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By R. Writer, The Board of Educaton returns to open session.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| STUDENT DISCIPLINE: EXPULSION HEARING – STUDENT #600348 | Motion By H. Burnett, Seconded By R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education adopt the following:
RESOLUTION: 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 and 5600 during the 2018-19 school year; 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 #600348 from attendance in the Buchanan Community Schools effective immediately for the remainder of the 2018-19 and up to 180 school days with the following conditions to be met for possible reinstatement to Buchanan Community Schools:
1) Through the remainder of the 2018-19 school year and up to 180 school days, student #600348 must successfully complete current grade level while attending BVA, the Step Up Program, or another alternative setting. 2) The student must attend six sessions of counseling with an outside of the school district professional (responsibility of parent/guardian) and obtain a release to report back to school from the counselor 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 #600348 will be made.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
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N. Coquillard, C. Lolmaugh, M. Patnoudes, S. Rutherford, A. Cowart, S. Barlow, L. Hein, K. Hamilton, J. Bellaire, J. Krueger, M. Canfield, M. Colglazier, T. Simon, D. VanDyke, M. Malstrom, A. Horton, T. Riesner, J. Wegener, W. Murphy, R. Staup, L. Gregory, S. Castelluccio, A. Beck, S. Hayslip, L. Cavazos, B. Wiersma, S. Desenberg, N. Murdock, A. Murdock, B. Wesner, M. Wesner, J. Hanover, J. Hanover, M. Seddon, H. Burks, N. Teshka, M. Klipowicz, K. Klipowicz, K. McGuirt, M. Harmon, D. Brooke, D. Brooks, J. Cuthbert, K. Cuthbert, R. Hoyt, T. Hoyt, J. Hoyt, D. Kline, J. Leenhouts, B. Bradey, C. Thompson, A. Hanson, L. Sears, J. Vergon, D. Vergon, R. Sears, D. Sears, R. Cornwell, C. Cornwell, K. Smith, D. Backus, P. Witherow, T. Witherow, T. Mabry, L. Lunneen, S. Herrman, T. Herrman, S. Boehm, S. Boehm, J. Jacobs, S. Gilgore, S. Abrahamson, E. Amiel, K. McBeth, N. Eichors, K. Lolmaugh, B. Martin, K. Dutoie-Filley, G. Brinkley, L. Berry, G. Berry, M. Eger, E. Kratky, M. Watkins, C. Martin, M. Schuhknecht, G. Lollar, B. Lawson, L. Morris, M. Hurd, D. Perez, M. Mitchell, S. Carlin, A. Riggs, M. Robinson, S. Steckley, K. Berry, M. Kern, P. Wentworth, L. Weinberg, S. Overmeyer, C. Bowerman, Media/Press representatives.
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| INFORMATION/REPORTS & NEW BUSINESS | -Floor Hockey Board presentation: Lisa Weinberg, Sean Overmeyer, Randy Sears, Debbie Sears, and Cindy Bowerman gave an honor to Daryl Miller and Karen Cuthbert for their hard work, accommodations, and cooperation with the floor hockey organization. The Floor Hockey Board also provided history of the league, their success, and their generous donations and gifting to the school district and community of Buchanan.
– Berrien Regional Education Service Agency – Berrien RESA: Eric Hoppstock, Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, delivered a presentation detailing an itemized summary of fund expenses and services provided by Berrien RESA in its proposed budget for 2019-20. He urged the Board to support the proposed budget in its resolution later in the agenda.
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| SUPERINTENDENT/
DEPARTMENT REPORTS |
– Buck Staff Appreciation for May winner: Michelle Trail
– Buck Staff Appreciation nominees for May were acknowledged:
– Board updates from BHS, BMS, Moccasin, Ottawa, Director of Academics, Business Office & Operations, Food service, Technology, Transportation, and Athletics were provided respectfully.
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| COMMUNITY DIALOGUE CITIZENS CONCERNS | Superintendent Donahue addressed the community attendees directly concerning Karin Falkenstein; and the activities of the community on FaceBook concerning the same. He provided acknowledgment and accolades regarding supporting and respecting Mrs. Falkenstein and that she is still part of the Buchanan Community Schools’ team as District Special Education Director. He mentioned that Mrs. Falkenstein’s employment in the district is through a third party contractor and that she is not directly employed through Buchanan Community Schools and has not been since her retirement in 2010. Superintendent Donahue continued with how important her newly appointed role is considering the changing needs of Special Education. He commented that we look forward to her being a key leader in the district. Superintendent Donahue opened the meeting to welcome public comments.
– M. Canfield, S. Desenberg, and S. Rutherford: Mrs. Falkenstein’s position as Principal – Each asked that the Board re-consider removing Karin Falkenstein as Principal. S. Rutherford asked why the School Board is not supporting teachers and principals. – A. Hanson: Concerns about how her child was treated at school. She expressed that she was speaking as a parent and employee of the district. Ashley said that she feels as if the Business Manager and Superintendent are more concerned with the bottom line rather than students. – R. Cornwell: Evaluations, raises, and cut backs – Asked for confirmation of the renewal of Superintendent contract. She provided that she has heard rumor that the Superintendent received a raise before being evaluated. She also addressed Principal Stacey DeMaio’s evaluation and that she believes that Mrs. DeMaio underwent a lack of support during a difficult period. – J. Elliott: Superintendent survey and contract – Inquired about the status of a superintendent survey and if contract renewal could be tabled until a survey was completed. – S. Barlow: What are the staffing plans for the district counselors? -B. Martin: Concerned with direction of district. She addressed the attendees with questions asking them to respond with a show of hands regarding their feelings about Superintendent Donahue and if they felt supported by him.
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ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
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MOTION by J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED by S. Tobler, The Board of Education approves the consent agenda for the regular board meeting of May 20, 2019 be adopted as written:
1. Minutes: 04-15-2019 Regular Meeting 2. Warrants: April 2019 Expenditures 3. Probationary /Tenure Listing for 2019-20 School Year:
4. Staff Retirements as submitted: Mary Ellen Weinberg, Transportation – Vehicle Driver, 27 years of service to Buchanan Community Schools Gail Brinkley, Copy Central Coordinator, 20 years of service to Buchanan Community Schools 5. Staff resignation as submitted: Danielle Russell, Executive Administrative Assistant, effective June 28, 2019 6. Buchanan High School’s extra-curricular update:
7. Athletic Update:
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| BUCHANAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY GRADUATION CERTIFICATION | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By J. DeVlaminck, upon satisfactory completion of district requirements for high school graduation, the Board of Education hereby approves Buchanan Virtual Academy Students:
– Matthew Smith – Madelyn Kitchell – Cory Fowler – Zachary Cline To be certified for graduation. ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION CERTIFICATION | Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By K. Laesch, upon satisfactory completion of district requirements for high school graduation, the Board of Education hereby approves the graduates as listed on the attached roster to be certified for graduation; and further authorizes the administration to prepare diplomas to be presented at the 2019 commencement ceremony.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| BRESA Annual Budget Resolution | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Buchanan Board of Education adopt the following resolution:
WHEREAS: This Board received the Berrien RESA General Fund Operating Budget following the RESA Board meeting of April 15, 2019; and WHEREAS: In accordance with Section 380.624 of the Revised School Code, this Board must now adopt a resolution expressing its support or disapproval of the proposed Berrien RESA budget, and must submit to the Berrien RESA Board any specific objections and/proposed changes the Board may have to the budget prior to June 1, 2019. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The Berrien RESA General Fund Operating Budget for the 2019-20 school year be supported, and that the Secretary of the Board is hereby directed to submit a copy of this Resolution to the Secretary of the Berrien RESA Board of Education, along with any specific objections or proposed changes to the budget.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| BRESA BIENNIEAL ELECTION RESOLUTION | Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By C. Lee, The Buchanan Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the biennial election of the Board of the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency will be held on Monday, June 3, 2019 at a meeting of representatives from constituent school boards. WHEREAS, Section 380.614(2) of the Revised School Code requires a constituent school board to designate its representative and identify the intermediate school board candidate the board supports for each position to be filled on the board by a resolution adopted not earlier than 21 days prior to the date of the election, and WHEREAS, Section 380.614(2) prescribes the method for passage of a resolution including the requirement of considering the resolution at not less than one public meeting before adopting the resolution, and WHEREAS, the Board has considered the resolution at an open meeting conducted in a manner prescribed under the Open Meetings Act on May 20, 2019. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
1. The Board designates Sandy Tobler as its representative to serve on the 2019 electoral body responsible for electing members to the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Board of Education and Kelly Laesch as alternate representative in the event the designated representative is unable to attend.
2. The Board supports candidate Michael Lindley for a position on the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Board of Education for a term of six years.
3. The Board supports Jon Martin for a position on the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Board of Education for a term of six years.
4. The Board directs its representative Sandy Tobler to vote for candidates’ Michael Lindley and Jon Martin at least on the first ballot taken at the June 3, 2019 election.
5. The Board authorizes and directs its secretary to file this resolution with the secretary of the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Board.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| ADMINISTRATIVE CONTRACT | Motion By K. Laesch, Seconded By R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education approves a two (2) year contract effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021 for the following:
– Executive Director of Academic Services, Mr. Mark Kurland ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK | Motion By R. Writer, Seconded By D. Wentworth, The Buchanan Board of Education accepts the recommendation from Superintendent, Timothy J. Donahue, to update the administrative handbook.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| BOARD POLICIES – FIRST READING | Motion By H. Burnett, Seconded By C. Lee, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the first reading of the following NEOLA – volume 33, no. 2; new, revised, and or deleted policies:
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| SCHOOLS OF CHOICE RESOLUTION 2019-20 | Motion By K. Laesch, Seconded By S. Tobler, The Buchanan Community Schools’ Board of Education, exercising the option permitted by Section 105 of the State School Aid Act of 1979, as amended by Public Act 300 of 1996, will accept applications of nonresident students who reside within BERRIEN RESA BOUNDARIES for the available grade level openings as listed below for enrollment into Buchanan Community Schools for the 2019-20 school year and will operate a Schools of Choice program in our district in compliance with the statutory requirements of Section 105. The window for applications for these openings will be July 8, 2019 to August 6, 2019. Available Openings for Each Grade Level:
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT – CHEER OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIP | Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the Buchanan cheerleading team trip to St. Mary’s college, South Bend, IN, for the purposes of the 2019 National Cheerleaders’ Association (NCA) cheer camp. The cheer team is expected to depart: June 27th, 2019 and return June 30th, 2019, in accordance with board policy #2340. This cheer team camp will be under the sponsorship of Mrs. Nikki Coquillard.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT EXTENSION FOR SUPERINTENDENT | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By C. Lee, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the superintendent contractual agreement modification and extension for the position of Buchanan Community Schools’ Superintendent; as defined in the contract between Buchanan Community Schools’ Board of Education and Mr. Timothy J. Donahue. Terms of contract are to continue July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| CLOSED SESSION – TEACHER NEGOTIATIONS | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education pursuant to Board bylaw 0167.2,c.,the Board of Education move into closed session to discuss teacher contract negotiations.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| OPEN SESSION | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education returns to open session.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler, and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED
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| QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS | Board members thanked the Floor Hockey Board for their presentation and support of the community of Buchanan. Member Ruth Writer reminded all of the following:
– Honors Convocation occurring Wednesday, June 5th, 7pm at Buchanan High School. – Buchanan Virtual Academy Graduation, Tuesday, June 11th, 6:30pm at Buchanan High School
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| NEXT BOARD MEETING |
Tuesday, June 4th, 6pm @ Buchanan High School
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| ADJOURNMENT | 9:20 pm |
Visit our School of Choice