BUCHANAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN
AUGUST 19, 2019 REGULAR MEETING BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL
| CALL TO ORDER | PRESIDENT: H. Burnett opened the meeting at 6:01 pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 & Tricia Lowery | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ADOPTION OF AGENDA
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MOTION by J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler the agenda for the regular meeting of August 19, 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 ADOPTED |
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| RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
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G. Berry, L. Berry, M. Runyan, J. Runyan, W. Murphy, K. Griffin, K. Berry, W. Writer, K. Welsh, J. Krueger, J. Bellaire, C. Detger, L. Miller, L. Miller, C. Ruth, K. Shelton, J. Leenhouts, C. Lolmaugh, R. Wiersma, T. Herrman, C. Martin, R. Martin, D. Detger, K. Lolmaugh, M. Watkins, J. Wiezorek, K. DeNlaic, P. Larrson, M. Calvillo, B. Martin, S. Desenberg, L. Figy, R. Kutemeier, T. Fox, M. Dunn, K. Smith, D. Lace, G. Brinkley, M. Frost, J. Hanover, S. Dodson, C. Franklin, D. Miller, R. Cornwell, L. Holok, R. English | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INFORMATION/REPORTS & NEW BUSINESS | – Dr. Burnett updated the board on a recent meeting held with Luana Greulich of Andrews University regarding the possibility of a culture and climate survey for the school district. Dr. Burnett reviewed some of the protocols, potential costs and timeline of conducting a survey. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SUPERINTENDENT/
DEPARTMENT REPORTS |
– Mr. Donahue updated the Board on the upcoming process for beginning our strategic planning. We will be working with Mark Dobias, a former superintendent and current facilitator with MASB. We will be examining our current district practices, engaging stake holders, and working toward new SMART goals. Mr. Donahue also reminded the board that they are welcome to join us at the August 26th District Welcome Back session. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| COMMUNITY DIALOGUE CITIZENS CONCERNS | – Katie Berry: addressed the board regarding the August 12th letter from the Board. She encouraged the Board to find an independent agency for assistance with the district culture survey. She also encouraged the board to be committed to their responsibility to create a better learning environment.
– Stacey Dodson: She began by stating that she would continue from Katie Berry’s notes. She then made reference to a written complaint by Ms. Berry regarding alleged retaliatory efforts by the Superintendent. Ms. Dodson also referenced the July 15th board meeting where she indicated that she and a group of parents would conduct a culture survey at no cost to the district.
– Jessica Elliot: She addressed the board and queried regarding the Superintendent evaluation tool used by the district. She indicated that the BEA could not find it on our website. She also would like to know which board members have been trained in the use of the evaluation tool. She indicated that she could receive the information at a later time or perhaps at the end of the meeting.
– Wendy Murphy: Questioned why the Superintendent recorded her during a previous meeting. She indicated that she found it to be passive aggressive in that if it was to prove that she was given the opportunity to speak at the meeting the minutes would show that. Ms. Murphy continued to speak to the BEA’s response to the board letter; she indicated that the letter fell short of calling them liars. She wonders which behaviors are being referenced with hearsay and rumors such as the Superintendent’ call to Honor Credit Union, the behaviors of central office supervisors, a violation of Weingarten Rights or lack of consideration for building principal input.
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ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
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MOTION by D. Wentworth, SECONDED by S. Tobler, The Board of Education approves the consent agenda for the regular board meeting of August 19th, 2019 be adopted as written:
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett, and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
1. Minutes: 08-08-2019 Special Meeting Minutes 08-11-2019 Special Meeting Minutes
2. Warrants: July 2019 Expenditures and Payroll
3. Staff resignations: None
4. Recommendations to hire as submitted by Buchanan High School Principal Stacey DeMaio, Moccasin Elementary School Principal Michael Dunn, District Special Education Supervisor Karen Falkenstein, and Superintendent Timothy Donahue:
5. Coaching Recommendations for Fall 2019
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| CLOSED SESSION – STUDENT DISCIPLINE
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
STUDENT DISCIPLINE RESOLUTION
CLOSED SESSION – STUDENT DISCIPLINE
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
STUDENT DISCIPLINE RESOLUTION
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Motion By R. Writer, Seconded By C. Lee, The Board of Education move into closed session for hearings on student discipline, per board policy 0167.2, B.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Board of Education moves to return to open session.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
Motion By H. Burnett, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Board of Education approves the recommendation to reinstate student # 533510 to Buchanan High School effective the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By R. Writer, The Board of Education move into closed session for hearings on student discipline, per board policy 0167.2, B.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
Motion By R. Writer, Seconded By K. Laesch, The Board of Education moves to return to open session.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By C. Lee, The Board of Education approves the recommendation to reinstate student # 533169 to Buchanan High School effective the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, D. Wentworth, H. Burnett and S. Tobler NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED |
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| RATIFICATION OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE BTA | Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By R. Writer, The Board of Education ratifies the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Buchanan Transportation Association, for the 2019-2020 through 2020-2021 school years as recommended by Superintendent Timothy Donahue.
Executive Director of Business & Operations, Tricia Lowery spoke to the Board about the bargaining agreement with the BTA. She indicated there would be a two year wages contract with the first year including a 5% increase and the second year a 3% increase. They also worked on cleaning up the contract language and wording. Ms. Lowery also indicated since 2010, there has been no sick time accumulation, so they incorporated sick time accumulation, a bonus for perfect attendance, and paid snow days. She also indicated there would be a slight language change for trip agreements.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED
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HANDBOOK UPDATES |
Motion By J. DeVlaminck, Seconded By R. Writer, The Board of Education adopts the Buchanan Community Schools Handbook updates for the 2019-20 school year as presented.
Principals have submitted their Student Handbook updates for the 2019-20 school year as presented for Board approval. This is the annual resolution for adoption.
ROLL CALL VOTE: C. Lee, D. Wentworth, K. Laesch, R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, S. Tobler and H. Burnett NAYS: None MOTION ADOPTED |
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| BUCHANAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY AND STEP UP GRADUATION CERTIFICATION | Motion By D. Wentworth, Seconded By C. Lee, upon satisfactory completion of district requirements for high school graduation, the Board of Education hereby approves students Jessica Lewis and August Turay 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 ADOPTED |
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| QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS | R. Writer commented that the handbook updates were done nicely. She also appreciates the hiring recommendation documents so Board members can see the full process and know the qualifications of candidates selected. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NEXT BOARD MEETING | Monday, September 16th, 6pm @ Buchanan High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ADJOURNMENT | 6:57 pm |
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