He stated that many different people are doing many different portions of curriculum development at each building. The proposed new position could encompass curriculum development, grant administration and other duties as deemed necessary. The position would be 215 days and a licensed administrator would be preferred.
A motion was made and seconded by Teri Johnston and Deke DeMarco, respectively, to approve the position of corporation director of curriculum. But the motion failed in a 3-2 vote, with board members Larry Beach, Mike Tetzloff, and Tim Rausch voting in opposition. (Board president Joe Cunningham did not vote, and member Rhonda Heims was absent.)
Foster admitted to WKVI radio that he was surprised the board did not approve the position, saying he was unaware there were any concerns over the proposal. He added he intends to discuss and re-work the proposal further and bring it back before the school board.
Regarding the second matter, a job description change, Foster reported that secretary/assistant Katie DeGroot completes over 30 state reports and other, non-secretarial type duties during the year. Thus, a new job description for her position was presented for approval – technology data specialist. After discussion, the board voted 4-1 to approve the new job description for Mrs. DeGroot. Board member Larry Beach voted in opposition.
In other business, the board approved a recommendation from Foster to accept a base bid of $2.5 million for the renovation project at the elementary school, along with acceptance of three alternates. Foster reported to the board that construction bids for the elementary school did come in as expected.
Also at Foster’s recommendation, the board took five more alternates under advisement until bond sales are reviewed. The low bid was from Larson-Danielson, the same contractor renovating the middle/high school. These projects were approved last year.
Foster presented a proposal for asbestos removal for some rooms within the buildings. The board voted approval.
Under personnel matters, the board approved the following individuals for certified positions:
- Cathy DeFries – elementary school teacher
- Matt Howard – high school English
- Craig Barr – high school biology
The following individuals were approved for classified positions:
- Kari Combs – elementary school instructional assistant
- Mary Cotner – elementary school instructional assistant
- Rachel Foster – elementary school instructional assistant
- Judith Scutchfield – elementary school instructional assistant
- Tara Terry – elementary school instructional assistant
- Lucretia Perry – middle school instructional assistant
- Whitlee Scott – high school instructional assistant
- Ryan Harrison – bus driver
- Tami Powell – bus driver
- Pamela Ricks – bus driver
- Nate Goble – assistant soccer coach
Sandy Haselby submitted her resignation for the purpose of retirement. Mrs. Haselby has been an Eastern Pulaski Schools bus driver for 28 years. She was wished well and thanked for her years of service.
Foster observed that the pool of applicants for staff openings was small, but that does not diminish the quality individuals recommended. “We are lucky to have such qualified individuals, he said.”
The first reading of Section 206 – Superintendent’s Evaluation was held in May. The policy was “cleaned up” and aligned with the teacher’s evaluation process. After discussion, the board voted approval to the amended policy.
Foster presented a classified salary schedule for all classified employees. After discussion , the board voted approval.
Foster presented the first reading on a proposed classified employee handbook. Discussion ensued. Consensus was to present it at the August meeting for the second reading and approval.
Foster gave a financial report for the period ending June 30. All corporation funds have positive balances and are on track with previous years. The claims were presented as well. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as presented.
Foster also reported on the following:
- Student attendance was down a little last semester, but still very good – elementary school 96.94%; middle school 97.5%; high school 96.16% for a total of 96.80%.
- Start of school information was shared. The buildings will be open beginning July 27, with new students enrolling July 31 and Aug. 3. Returning students will register Aug. 3, 4, and 5. New teacher orientation will be Aug. 10. Aug. 11 will be the opening day meeting and Aug. 12 will be the first day for students.
The board approved the following overnight field trips:
- High school cheer coach Jennifer Goodman submitted an overnight field trip request to attend cheer camp at Ball State University July 23- 26.
- Middle/high school choir teacher Patrick Schuttrow and middle/high school band teacher Elaina Sutton submitted a field trip request to travel to New York City in June of 2016.
Board Comment: Sandy Haselby was commended for her years for service. New employees were welcomed. Mrs. Johnston shared information from the Grassroots Meeting she attended. She shared what the group is focusing on for the next legislative session. Touring the facilities was discussed.
