SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES DATE: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 TIME: 6:30 p.m. LOCATION: Educational Services Center Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance President Shinn called the July 18, 2006, board meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. at the Educational Services Center. She then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call Ketra Bolster called the roll. Seven board members were present. Public Comment None Superintendent s Report Dr. DeMuth Said she was happy the Board took time out of participating in LaPorte County Fair activities to attend the Board meeting. She added that she attended the Fair the previous evening and enjoyed seeing students and their various 4-H projects. Announced that Summer School is in full swing. She commended Mrs. Judy Keim and her Food Service Department Staff for the excellent job they do serving breakfast and lunch to the summer school students. She praised Mrs. Keim for making the extra effort to take advantage of funds available to schools to provide these meals for our students at no cost to them. Announced that the start of the 2006 2007 school year is fast approaching. She encouraged parents to check the newspaper and the Corporation website for registration dates. Announced that the dedication of the newly remodeled Kingsford Heights Elementary School will be held August 27, 2006, at 2:00 p.m.
Celebration of Success Dr. Shawver announced that 25 students from Boston and Kesling Middle Schools have been identified to participate in the collaborative program between LaPorte Community Schools and Purdue North Central, College Bound. Mrs. Ingrid Voelker, program facilitator, has contacted all of the families and has received very positive comments. Dr. Shawver invited the Board to attend a College Bound reception to be held on August 2, 2006, from 5:30 7:00 p.m. at LaPorte High School. All students and their families will be in attendance. He said he will periodically update the Board as the program moves forward. Consent Agenda A. Minutes of the June 20, 2006, Executive Session B. Minutes of the June 20, 2006, Board Meeting C. Minutes of the July 6, 2006, Executive Sessions D. Minutes of the July 6, 2006, Board Meeting E. Personnel Recommendations F. Travel Requests G. Claims July 5, 2006, and July 18, 2006 Carol Shinn presented the Consent Agenda for approval along with additions to the Personnel Recommendations. Action: Ron Gigliotti moved to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. Tom Dermody seconded the Motion and it carried 6 0. Construction Report Jeff Kutch informed the Board of the work that has recently been performed and/or completed at Crichfield and Kingsford Heights Schools. He said that both projects are still well ahead of schedule and anticipates that Kingsford Heights will be complete by the beginning of this school year. Mr. John Arndt, of Hebard and Hebard Architects, Inc., provided slides of the projects. Tom Dermody asked if the Board could tour the buildings in the near future. Dr. DeMuth said she would coordinate a date as soon as possible. Change Orders Jeff Kutch presented change orders for the Crichfield and Kingsford Heights building projects. He introduced Ken Hebard, of Hebard and Hebard Architects, Inc., to review the change orders in detail. Mary McDermott asked if the change order process had been adjusted due to the fact that so many orders were presented this evening. Mr. Hebard said two of the orders were generated without contractor signature in order to expedite the work but that was the only difference.
Sue Szilagyi asked if any of the work indicated on the change orders had been completed. Mr. Hebard said some had. Mrs. Szilagyi said it was her understanding the Board would review change orders before any work was completed. Mr. Hebard said the orders were reviewed by his office as well as by LPCSC administration for approval to proceed. Mr. Hebard reviewed the Crichfield change orders. Ron Gigliotti expressed concern regarding change orders which contained items that should have been included in the architect s original drawings but were omitted. Mr. Hebard stated these items, although omitted, would add value to the project. He added that in some cases the corporation is paying only for the contractor s costs and indicated that the total budget for both projects has been reduced approximately $100,000 with no contingency funds being accessed to date. Mrs. Szilagyi asked about a budget summary that was mentioned as submitted to the Board but she did not receive. Dr. DeMuth explained that the Board was not provided with the summary sheet because the packet from Mr. Hebard came very late and Mr. Baker needs time to analyze the document for accuracy before it is presented. Mr. Hebard encouraged the Board to re-examine some of the alternates that were not chosen for the project as there may be funds available as the projects come to a close. Dr. DeMuth said the Board can look at the options once the construction funds have been closely scrutinized. Mr. Kutch explained that the Board is under no obligation to approve the change orders presented in which the work has not yet been completed. Mary McDermott asked if Mr. Kutch was comfortable with the change order process. Mr. Kutch said he is comfortable with the system but the projects are practically complete. He added it was unfortunate that the Board received so many change orders this evening because overall, the number of change orders has been minimal. Mr. Feikes commented that as the representative of the corporation, Mr. Kutch should be aware of every change order. Dr. DeMuth added that after several meetings, all parties agree that the Board should receive change orders prior to any work being done, with only minor exceptions. All parties will work to ensure this process in the future. Action: Mary McDermott moved to accept the change orders as presented with the exception of #4 for Kingsford Heights from Meade Electric. Tom Dermody seconded the Motion and it carried 7-0. Bids for Food Products/Cafeteria Supplies from August 14, 2006, through August 10, 2007 Recommendation to Award Dr. DeMuth presented a tabulation of bids that were received on June 23, 2006, for food products and cafeteria supplies. These items are needed for the period of August 14, 2006, through August 10, 2007. Dr. DeMuth recommended acceptance of the bids for food products and cafeteria supplies as listed on the tabulation. Action: Sue Szilagyi moved to accept the recommendation as presented. Ron Gigliotti seconded the Motion.
Mitch Feikes asked Mrs. Keim about the change in the commodity program. She explained that the school corporation now has to buy raw items with commodity dollars from the State and then pay for processing and delivery as the State no longer does any processing. She said although the commodity prices appear low, there are additional expenditures associated with processing and delivery. The Board commended Mrs. Keim for her efforts. Ms. Shinn called for a vote on the Motion and it carried 7 0. Ms. Shinn returned back to the previous item, Change Orders. Mr. Kaminski stated there was an error in Mrs. McDermott s motion regarding the number of the change order and asked that she re-state the Motion. Action: Mary McDermott moved to accept all change orders presented with the exception of the Kingsford Heights change order from Meade Electric, #3. Tom Dermody seconded the amended Motion and it passed 7 0. Recommendation to Appoint Business Manager Dr. DeMuth explained that the position of LaPorte Community School Corporation Business Manager was posted on numerous University and Department of Education websites. After screening applicants, a committee of President Carol Shinn, Vice President Mary McDermott, Board Member Ron Gigliotti, Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody, Associate Superintendent Dennis Shawver, and Dr. DeMuth interviewed two candidates. Dr. DeMuth recommended Mr. Vincent Taylor as LaPorte Community School Corporation s Business Manager and Treasurer, effective August 14, 2006, with an initial three-year contract through June 30, 2009. She added that Mr. Taylor most recently served the Michigan City Area Schools as Business Manager/Treasurer for seven years, East Port Community School Corporation as Business Manager/Treasurer for three years, IG Environmental and UGIMAG, Inc. for seventeen years. Action: Ron Gigliotti moved to accept the recommendation to appoint Mr. Vincent Taylor as Business Manager and Treasurer. Tom Dermody seconded the Motion and it carried 7 0. Mr. Taylor said he is looking forward to working in the LaPorte Community School Corporation. Recommendation to Appoint Kesling Middle School Assistant Principal Jim Dermody explained that a committee including Greg Handel, Mary Beth Lebo, Claudia Williams, Bill Wilmsen, and himself interviewed for the Kesling Middle School Assistant Principal position. Mr. Dermody recommended Mr. Mark Fridenmaker to the Assistant Principal position, effective August 3, 2006, for an initial two-year contract. Action: Mary McDermott moved to accept the recommendation as presented. Ron Gigliotti seconded the Motion and it carried 7 0.
Recommendation to Appoint LaPorte High School Administrative Assistant Jim Dermody explained that the same committee previously referenced interviewed for the position of Administrative Assistant at LaPorte High School. Mr. Dermody recommended Mrs. Martha Birkholz to the Administrative Assistant position at LaPorte High School effective July 28, 2006, for an initial two-year contract. Action: Tom Dermody moved to accept the recommendation as presented. Sue Szilagyi seconded the Motion and it carried 7 0. Recommendation to Advertise for Sale of Two Portable Classrooms Dr. DeMuth presented the Board with a Notice to Bidders and requested permission to begin the legal advertising process for the sale of two portable classrooms. She added that all bid documents are on file for inspection at the Support Services Center and bids can be submitted prior to 1:00 p.m. on August 7, 2006. Action: Sue Szilagyi moved to grant permission to begin the advertising process for the sale of the two portable classrooms. Ron Gigliotti seconded the Motion. Dr. DeMuth commented that the Corporation is in possession of additional portable classrooms that will be discussed with the Board in the near future. Ms. Shinn called for a vote on the Motion and it carried 7 0. Consideration of Agreement Between LaPorte Hospital and LaPorte High School for Athletic Training Services Dr. DeMuth explained that there is a great deal of competition involved in soliciting the services of an athletic trainer. She said she was pleased that LaPorte Hospital was willing to expand the services they have previously offered and recommended entering into an agreement with them for athletic training services. Their previous service will be expanded from ten to twelve months, will cover all athletics, and include a walk-in clinic for students. This Agreement begins August 1, 2006, and continues until July 31, 2007, for a total of $17,208. Mary McDermott abstained from discussion and the vote due to her relationship with LaPorte Hospital. Action: Tom Dermody moved to accept the recommendation as presented. Sue Szilagyi seconded the Motion and it carried 6 0.
Consideration of 2006 2007 Lunch Prices Dr. DeMuth explained that Judy Keim recently completed a regional comparison of school meal prices and is recommending a.05 increase in the price of breakfast and lunch for the 2006 2007 school year. The cost of an elementary lunch will be $1.55, secondary lunch will be $1.70, and breakfast $1.00 for all students. Action: Sue Szilagyi moved to accept the recommendation and increase meal prices.05 for the 2006 2007 school year. Ron Gigliotti seconded the Motion. Mrs. McDermott commented that the meal prices for LaPorte students are still the lowest in the area. Dr. DeMuth added the Corporation is fortunate to have Mrs. Keim providing quality meals for students at an excellent price. Ms. Shinn called for a vote on the Motion and it carried 7 0. Other Business None Board Comment None Adjournment Carol Shinn adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Carol Shinn, President Ketra Bolster, Secretary