6-2-20 Board of Education Meeting Minutes

ABSENT:   None

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

MASB consultant Mark Dobias presented to the board his timeline, community survey, and process of conducting the search for the next superintendent of schools. Board members asked follow-up questions regarding specific concerns.

Presentation: MLI Superintendent Search – Dave Killips

MLI consultant Dave Killips presented to the board his timeline and explained to how he would conduct the search for the next superintendent of schools. Board members asked follow-up questions regarding specific concerns.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Mr. Donahue informed the board of the funding inquiries pertaining to the Math/Science Center. There was some dialogue and questions asked by board members.

Mr. Donahue informed the board there will be an RFP out for auditing services.

Mr. Donahue mentioned the November 3^rd election for school board members and the filing deadline of July 21^st @ 4:00pm. There are three board members seats that will expire at the end of 2020.

Brittany Martin asked the board to provide the terms of the separation agreement with Tim Donahue. Mr. Wentworth stated that he would check on what information he could provide to her.

1.        Minutes:

5-13-2020 Special Meeting

5-18-2020 Regular Meeting

2.       MHSAA 2020-21 Membership Resolution

3.        Recommendations to Hire as submitted by District Special Education Supervisor, Karin Falkenstein:

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Buchanan Virtual Academy Students:

–       Kasin Brunais

–       Lauren Kemp

–       Emily Michelakis

To be certified for graduation.

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

WHEREAS, the BUCHANAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Board of Education endorses the 5^th Year Early/Middle College for Berrien County as a partnership between Lake Michigan College, Southwestern Michigan College, Berrien RESA and the local school districts with the potential for expansion of additional postsecondary partners.

WHEREAS, the Michigan Pupil Accounting Manual specifies that an early/middle college is a five-year educational track designed to allow a student to earn a high school diploma while also earning one of the following: an associate degree from a community college, a technical certificate or a Michigan Early/Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate or up to 60 transferable college credits toward a four-year degree from a Michigan public or private university;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED

That this Board and District acknowledge and participation students and their parents/guardians will understand that an additional fifth year or study is required as a condition to confer a diploma for those students participating in the Berrien County 5^th Year Early/Middle College program;

AND

This Board Resolution shall remain in-force until terminated by either party with written notice given at least one year prior to termination. Students enrolled in the Berrien County 5^th Year Early/Middle College program at the time of termination will be supported through the completion of their Program of Study allowing them to finish the program as shown in the five-year sequence.

AND

This Board and District, all participating students and their parents/guardians acknowledges that a math or a math-related course is required within the student’s final (fifth) year as a condition for fulfillment of the Michigan Merit Curriculum required.

This resolution represents the agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior agreements and/or verbal understandings. If any portion is determined to be void or unenforceable by a court of law, the remainder shall remain in effect as long as the purpose of the resolution has not been altered.

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

WHEREAS:

1. The Board of Education of Buchanan Community Schools has determined, through a majority vote of its members elected and serving, that it is in the District’s interest to modify the PowerSchool Residency Tracker application to include a Buchanan Promise Plugin; and
2. Gateway, through its President/CEO and its Board, believes that the enhanced PowerSchool application will add to the accuracy of eligibility determination for the Buchanan Promise Scholarship; and
3. Gateway waives the grant application requirement for the District’s reimbursement of the cost of services of Computer Logic Group, Inc. incurred under the attached Quotation.

NOW THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:

1. District Payment. The District will pay the entire cost of the software modification incurred under the attached invoice, including an annual maintenance fee.
2. Gateway Reimbursement to District. The District will submit to Gateway a receipt from Computer Logic Group, Inc. that its fees and services related to the addition of a Buchanan Promise Plugin have been paid in full. Within thirty (30) days of receiving the receipt for the District’s payment of said fees, Gateway will reimburse the District the total amount paid to Computer Logic Group, Inc. pursuant to the attached Quotation.
3. Entire Agreement of Parties. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between parties. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both parties.
4. Michigan Law. This Agreement hall be governed by and the rights, duties, and obligations of the parties shall be determined and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan.
5. Notice of Change. District will provide 30 days prior notice of any fee increase to Gateway.
6. Severability. If any term, condition, or provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will nevertheless continue in full force and effect, and shall not be affected, impaired, or invalidated in any way.
7. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and all counterparts together shall be construed as one (1) document.
8. Termination. Either party may terminate this agreement upon 14 days notice.

Mr. Donahue explained this collaboration with Buchanan Promise. This plug in will allow BCS be able to track a student’s residency during their enrollment for purposes of the Buchanan Promise Scholarship.

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Mr. Donahue pointed out this huge step for the district. Mrs. Lowery answered questions the board had asked.

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

Member Dennis Wentworth is to be removed from the Finance Committee

Member Jim DeVlaminck is to be added to the Finance Committee.

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

NAYS:  None     MOTION ADOPTED

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

NAYS:  S. Tobler    MOTION ADOPTED

Dr. Burnett thanked Mrs. DeMaio, Mr. Pruett and Mr. Donahue for getting him the commencement plan.

Mr. Lee thanked Mrs. DeMaio, Mr. Pruett, and the entire high school staff for putting the senior cruise and commencement together. He also thanked Katie Shelton for starting the Senior Facebook group.

Mr. Wentworth thanked Mr. Donahue, Mr. Pruett, and Mrs. DeMaio for coming up with original ideas for graduation. He also thanked Red Bud for hosting the event.