7-17-2017 Board Minutes

(Last Updated On: February 22, 2018)

BUCHANAN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, BERRIEN COUNTY, MICHIGAN

 

JULY 17TH, 2017                 REGULAR MEETING                        BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL

 

CALL TO ORDER Vice President, Sandy Tobler, opened the meeting at 6:01 pm

 

ROLL CALL  

PRESENT: R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch

 

  ABSENT: H. Burnett & D. Wentworth

 

  OTHERS PRESENT : Mr. Timothy J. Donahue & Mrs. Tricia Lowery

 

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Member R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member K. Laesch the agenda for the regular meeting of July 17th, 2017 be adopted as written.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

 

Members of BAAMA & Association of Paraprofessionals, S. Steinke, K. Falkenstein, S. Abrahamson, B. Pruett, D. Miller, S. Lentz, A. van der Laan, & Graduate family and friends of Caitlyn Benjamin & Sarah Jones.

 

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE/CITIZENS CONCERNS

 

None

 

INFORMATION/REPORTS & NEW BUSINESS

 

None
SUPERINTENDENT /DEPARTMENT REPORTS

 

Moccasin & Ottawa cabling is complete.  Athletic Director, Mr. Lonnie Hoover & football team visited Stark building to prepare items for bidding.
MEETING MINUTES

 

MOTION BY Member R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member K. Laesch, The minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th be adopted as written. ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

WARRANTS MOTION by J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED by C. Lee, The Board of Education approve the payment of payroll of $1,300,197.73 and the payment of expenditures of $460,469.67 for invoices from the General Fund and the payment of payroll of $18,415.27 and the payment of expenditures of $127,398.29 for invoices from the School Service Fund.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

BUCHANAN VIRTUAL ACADEMY & BUCHANAN STEP UP GRADUATION CERTIFICATION MOTION BY Member J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, Upon satisfactory completion of district requirements for High School Graduation, the Board of Education hereby approves:

 

Buchanan Virtual Academy:  Sarah Jones and Caitlin Benjamin

Buchanan Step Up: Constance Marie Innamorato

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

 

TRUANCY ACADEMY COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AGREEMENT

 

 

 

 

MOTION BY Member R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the annual Truancy Academy Cooperative Education Agreement allowing applicable students to attend the Truancy Academy within the Berrien Springs Public Schools.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

2017-18 EXTRA-CURRICULA APPOINTMENTS

 

MOTION BY Member K. Laesch, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education approves Buchanan High School’s extra-curricula assignments for 2017-18 and update for Buchanan Middle School Extra-curricula assignment as recommended by building Principals below:

Name Buchanan High Activity
Adkerson, Becky English Vertical team
Barlow, Sonia 3 Weeks HS Counselor

Guidance Department Chair (2)

School Improvement Chair (7)

Neal, Erica Senior Class Advisor (.5)

Honor Society Advisor

English, Rachel Spanish Club Advisor

Spanish Department Chair (2)

Frost, Melissa Science Vertical Team Chair

Mentor Teacher for M. Watkins (year 3)

Carlson, Rachel Math Department Chair (5)

Spirit Team (.25)

Mentor Teacher for G. Brown (year 3)

*Algebra 2 mentor to G. Brown

(this is a position paid for with CTE funds)

Cornelius, Jessica HS Pines Yearbook

Spirit Team (.25)

Student Council Advisor (.5)

Cribley, Byron Science Department Chair (4)
Cuthbert, Karen Junior Class Advisor
DeOrnellas, Tony Sophomore Class Advisor
Hess, Cindy Senior Class Advisor (.5)

English Vertical Team

English Department Chair (5)

Mentor Teacher for E. Neal (year 3)

Hollandsworth, Mark HS Band
Holloway, Dan Science Olympiad
Holok, Lisa Student Council Advisor (.5)

Spirit Team (.25)

Johansen, Erik Chess Club Advisor
Martin, Lane Math Vertical team
Miller, Gabriel Close Up Advisor (.5)

Mentor Teacher for R. Philip (year 3)

Miller, Sandra Art Club Advisor

Fine Art Department Chair (2)

Mentor Teacher for C. Herman (year 3)

Place, Phil Tech Club Advisor
Watkins, Megan 8th Grade Class Advisor
Wegener, Josh Close Up Advisor (.5)

Freshman Class Advisor

Social Studies Vertical Team Chair

Social Studies Department Chair

Mentor Teacher for: A. DeOrnellas (year 2)  E. Johansen (year 1)

Young, Steve SADD Advisor
Coules, Kate SPED Department Chair (3)

Spirit Team (.25)

Warmbein, Jaime Phys. Ed Department Chair (2)
Hogue, Todd Robotics Advisor
Name Buchanan Middle School
Frazier, Sarah Vertical Team – S.S.

Social Studies Dept. Chair (3) New Dept. Chair.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

 

NEOLA BOARD POLICIES – FIRST READING

 

MOTION BY Member K. Laesch, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the first reading of the following replacement policy:

 

POLICY

Description

 

P 5630.01

 

Student Seclusion & Restraint

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

RATIFICATION OF BUCHANAN ADM. ASSISTANT & MEDIA ASSISTANT CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2017, THROUGH JUNE 30, 219, SCHOOL YEAR

 

MOTION BY Member J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member C. Lee, The Buchanan Board of Education ratifies the proposed agreement as agreed between the Buchanan Community Schools and the Buchanan Administrative Assistant and Media Assistant union (BAAMA) as printed in the said contract.  Effective date of the agreement is:  July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

RATIFICATION OF BUCHANAN ASSOCIATION OF PARAPROFESSIONALS CONTRACT FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2017, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2019, SCHOOL YEAR

 

MOTION BY Member C. Lee, SECONDED BY Member R. Writer, The Buchanan Board of Education ratifies the proposed agreement as agreed between the Buchanan Community Schools and the Buchanan Association of Paraprofessionals as printed in the said contract.  Effective date of the agreement is:  July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

APPROVAL TO ACCEPT COMMUNICATION COMPANY FIRE PANEL BID FOR BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,811.00

 

MOTION BY Member J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the recommendation as submitted by Business Manager, Mrs. Tricia Lowery, to accept the bid of : Communication Company, to upgrade the fire panel system at Buchanan High School in the amount of $69,811.00

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

INSTALLMENT PURCHASE CONTRACT – LOAN FOR BUCHANAN HIGH SCHOOL’S FIRE PANEL AND PAVEMENT PROJECT

 

MOTION BY Member J. DeVlaminck, SECONDED BY Member K. Laesch, The Buchanan Board of Education  adopts the following resolution:

 

1.        Competitive bids for the purchase/acquisition of the Property, as required by the School Code of 1976, as amended, have been submitted, and the Issuer has complied with all legal requirements with respect to competitive bidding related to the acquisition of the Property.

2.        The Board determines that it is in the best interest of the Issuer to accept the offer from the Credit Union to finance all or a portion of the cost of the acquisition of the Property through Installment Purchase Agreements among the Issuer, the Credit Union and the Contractors/Sellers for a total amount not to exceed Four Hundred Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Sixty-One Dollars ($430,561), at an interest rate of one and seventy-five hundredths percent (1.75%) per annum over a period of not to exceed seven (7) years with annual principal and interest payments beginning January 2, 2018, with annual interest thereon, based upon a 360-day year, 30‑day month. An Authorized Officer (defined below) is authorized, within the parameters established in this section, to determine the final principal amounts for the Installment Purchase Agreements.

3.         The Superintendent of Schools, Business Manager, or the President, Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer of the Board (each an “Authorized Officer”) shall execute the Installment Purchase Agreements in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A on behalf of the Issuer, and the executed Installment Purchase Agreements shall be delivered to the Credit Union.

4.       The Installment Purchase Agreements may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without penalty, with funds withdrawn from the Issuer’s cash reserves.

5.         The Issuer hereby irrevocably pledges to make the principal installments and interest payments on the Installment Purchase Agreements, beginning with the fiscal year 2017-2018, and during each fiscal year for which an operating budget is adopted, the first operating budget obligation within its authorized millage until such time as the principal installments and interest payments have been paid in full.

6.         The Issuer hereby pledges its limited tax full faith and credit for the payment of the principal installments and interest payments on the Installment Purchase Agreement, payable from ad valorem taxes which will be levied within the authorized constitutional and statutory operating millage rate available to the Issuer and an irrevocable appropriation of a sufficient amount of taxes will be made each year from said millage rate for the payment of principal installments and interest payments on the Installment Purchase Agreement.

The obligation to pay the principal installments and interest payments will be the limited tax general obligation of the Issuer, and if tax collections are insufficient to pay the principal of or interest on the borrowings when due, the Issuer pledges to use any and all other resources available for the payment of principal and interest on the Installment Purchase Agreement.

7.        The Authorized Officers are further authorized to execute any documents or certificates necessary to complete the transaction. Any of those officers may designate, in writing, an individual to act in their place with respect to the powers conveyed in this paragraph.

8.           The useful life of the Property is hereby determined to be not less than seven (7) years.

9.           The Issuer hereby covenants to comply with all requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that must be satisfied subsequent to the execution of the Installment Purchase Agreements in order that interest thereon be or continue to be excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes, including the filing of Form 8038-G or 8038-GC with the Internal Revenue Service.

10.        The Issuer hereby designates the Installment Purchase Agreements as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” for purposes of deduction of interest expense by financial institutions under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. In making said designation, the Board determines that the reasonably anticipated amount of tax-exempt obligations which will be issued by the Issuer or entities which issue obligations on behalf of the Issuer during calendar year 2017 will not exceed $10,000,000.

11.        The outstanding balance of all of the Issuer’s contractual agreements for the purchase of real or personal property, exclusive of interest, does not exceed 1.25% of the taxable valuation of real and personal property in the Issuer.

12.        The advance payment for the Property is hereby approved, and the monies are authorized to be advanced from monies on hand in the General Fund or Sinking Fund, which monies will be repaid to the General Fund or Sinking Fund from the proceeds of the Installment Purchase Agreements when received. The Issuer shall reimburse the General Fund or Sinking Fund not earlier than the date on which the expenses are paid and not later than the later of:

(a)            the date that is eighteen (18) months after the expenses are paid, or

(b)           the date the Property is placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three (3) years after the expenses are paid.

13.        All resolutions and parts of resolutions insofar as they conflict with the provisions of this Resolution be and the same are hereby rescinded.

14.

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

OTTAWA FIRST GRADE TEACHER REOCMMENDATION

 

MOTION BY Member R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the recommendation as submitted by Ottawa Elementary school principal, Mrs. Karin Falkenstein, to hire Ms. Amy Beck as First Grade Teacher for the 2017-18 school year.  Ms. Beck will be compensated at step 1 salary level of the teaching agreement.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

REINSTATEMENT OF STUDENT #518845

 

MOTION BY Member R. Writer, SECONDED BY Member S. Tobler, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the recommendation to reinstate student #518845 to Buchanan High School effective September 5th, 2017, with the following conditions:

 

–       The four courses that currently reflect an incomplete (Economics, Geometry B, World History A and World History B) will be completed upon the end of summer school, 2017.

 

–       Any serious disciplinary infraction after readmission may result in permanent expulsion.

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

ATHLETIC COACHING RECOMMENDATION – VARSITY SOFTBALL

 

MOTION BY Member K. Laesch, SECONDED BY Member C. Lee, The Buchanan Board of Education approves the 2017-18 Athletic Coaching Appointment of:

 

RECOMMENDED 2017-18 COACHES SPORT STEP & CLASS CAP CLASSES
Rachel Carlson Varsity Softball Step 9, Class 3 1,2,4,6

 

ROLL CALL VOTE:  R. Writer, J. DeVlaminck, C. Lee, S. Tobler & K. Laesch NAYS:  None     MOTION  ADOPTED

 

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS FROM BOARD MEMBERS The remaining trees look great after the removal of the dead trees.

 

 

NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

Monday, August 21st , 6pm @ Gardner School

 

 

ADJOURNMENT 6:40 pm

 

 

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest