Negaunee Public Schools

April 21, 2008

 

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education, Negaunee Public Schools, City of Negaunee, County of Marquette, and State of Michigan, held on April 21, 2008, at the Negaunee High School Library.

 

Members Present:   Dan Hintsala, Osmond T. Kemp, Virginia Paulson, Martin Renaldi, and Martin Saari

                                  

Members Absent: Fae Collins and Dave Rice

 

Administrators Present:

James Derocher, Superintendent

Bob Bonetti, High School Principal

Dan Skewis, Middle School Principal

Joe Meyskens, Lakeview School Principal

Mary Kay Johnson, Administrative Aide for Finance

 

161.     The meeting was called to order by President Martin Renaldi at 7:04 p.m. 

 

162.     A quorum of the board was established.

 

163.     Motion by V. Paulson, supported by O. Kemp, to approve the agenda with the following additions:  171 New Business: N. Poet In Residency Grant and O.  Field Trip Request.  Motion carried 5-0. 

 

164.     Public Comment:

Mary Herman, President of the Band Backers, presented a letter requesting new band uniforms.  She also invited the Board to attend the band banquet in May.

President Renaldi stated he had received the request and will include it in the May Budget Workshop.

 

165.     Motion by D. Hintsala, supported by M. Saari, to approve the minutes of the

regular meeting held on March 10, 2008.  Motion carried 5-0. 

 

166.     Motion by M. Saari, supported by O. Kemp, to approve the Consent Items as presented.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

167.     Payment of Bills and Financial Reports:

 

A.        Motion by M. Saari, supported by D. Hintsala, to approve the payment of bills totaling $483,599.72.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

B.       The Financial Report was received from the Administrative Aide for Finance, Mary Kay Johnson. 

 

168.     Written reports were received from the Community Education Director, Health Coordinator, High School Attendance and Discipline Report.  Oral reports were received from Bob Bonetti, High School Principal, Dan Skewis, Middle School Principal, Joe Meyskens, Lakeview School Principal and Jim Derocher, Superintendent.

 

169.     Correspondence - None

 

170.     Old Business:

 

            A.    This item was tabled until the May meeting.

 

171.     New Business:

 

A.   The Board viewed IMOVIES, which were created and presented by middle schools students Sara Kainulainen, Chelsea Bath and Samantha Seaman.

 

B.    Superintendent Derocher and the Board discussed the fall 2007 MEAP test results for grades 3-9.  No action necessary.

 

C.    Motion by V. Paulson, supported by O. Kemp, to appoint Martin Renaldi as the district representative at the MARESA Annual Budget Hearing on April 23, 2008.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

      D.  Motion by D. Hintsala, supported by M. Saari, to adopt the Citizens for Equity Resolution.  Roll call vote 5 ayes and 0 nays.

 

E.   Motion by V. Paulson, supported by O. Kemp, to approve Wednesday, August 27th as the first day of school for the professional staff and Tuesday, September 2nd as the first day of school for students.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

F.    Motion by O. Kemp, supported by D. Hintsala, to approve the three-year, 2008-11 district Technology Plan.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

G.   Motion by V. Paulson, supported by M. Saari, to award high school diplomas to the following individuals who have completed the Adult Education requirements through the Community Education Program: Michael Cowling, Anthony Fetterhoff, Nancy Elizabeth Laine, Kevin Roussin, James Shivley, Jody Walsh, and Mercedes Warren.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

H.   Motion by D. Hintsala, supported by O. Kemp, to continue the cooperative sports programs in swimming and diving with Ishpeming and Republic-Michigamme; and the hockey program with Gwinn, Ishpeming, NICE and Republic-Michigamme.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

I.    Motion by D. Hintsala, supported by V. Paulson, to above the following teacher transfers:  Derek Cardinal to sixth grade, Corrie LaCombe to second grade, and Sabina Carlson to fourth grade.  A vacancy posting for an Assistant Principal at Lakeview will also be done.  Motion carried 5-0.  

     

J.  Superintendent Derocher informed the Board that he has received a letter of retirement from Debi Cain Juntila, High School Counselor.  Tim Gannon, Head Hockey Coach, also submitted a letter of resignation.  Mr. Derocher sent out letters of appreciation to both individuals.  No action necessary.

                 

K.  Motion by M. Saari, supported by O. Kemp, to award tenure to Jill Hamlin and Molly Kus and to place the following staff members indicated by probationary steps as follows:

 

Fourth year probationary status: Kari Belanger, Sabina Carlson, Corrie LaCombe, Michelle Morey, Jeff Niemi, and Mike OÕDonnell.

 

Third year probationary status: Dan Bonetti, Jodi Johnson, Bethany Nelson.

 

Second year probationary status:  Lynn Mileski.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

L.    Motion by V. Paulson, supported by D. Hintsala, to approve the salary recommendations made by the Administrative Committee for non-union staff members.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

M.  The Board discussed and set the following goals for the Superintendent for the 2008-09 school year:

 

1.         Continue to improve and provide a safe school environment.

2.         Improve facilities appearance.

3.         Improve MEAP and MME test scores.

4.         Pass Sinking Fund renewal this November.

 

N.   Motion by V. Paulson, supported by M. Saari, to approve the grant application for the ÒPoet in ResidenceÓ program through the Michigan Council of the Arts and Cultural Affairs.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

O.   Motion by O. Kemp, supported by D. Hintsala, to approve the Middle School girls and boys ensemble to travel to the Detroit/Lansing area this spring.  Motion carried 5-0.

 

At this juncture, the Board discussed the proper procedures in requesting permission to raise funds for field trips.  The Board would like documentation that Mrs. Lindblom has been informed of these procedures.  The Board indicated that they will not approve a field trip if these procedures are not followed.

 

172.     Public Comment – None

 

173.        Other Business:

 

The May Board meeting was rescheduled it will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2008.

                       

174.   President Renaldi adjourned the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

_______________________________          ________________________________

Marty Renaldi, President                              Virginia Paulson, Secretary