The Wapakoneta City Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, March 20, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at Cridersville Elementary School.  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Dave Copeland.  Roll call was as follows:  Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; Kantner, aye; Mertz, excused; and Frame, aye.  Also in attendance were Superintendent, Keith Horner; Treasurer, Susan Rinehart; Business Manager, Don Arnett; staff and administrators; students and parents; community members; and media representative.

 

          The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice President Dave Copeland.

 

RECOGNITION OF CRIDERSVILLE STUDENTS

         

          Dave Tester welcomed the Board, administrators, staff, parents, students, Wapakoneta Daily News, and community members to Cridersville Elementary School.  Dave then thanked Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. Hadding for doing a great job decorating and preparing the room for the Board meeting.  Cridersville’s theme is “On Track to Success,” with their mission statement for the Cridersville school community to learn together, to be responsible, respectful, and to do their best.  Dave Tester is extremely proud of each of the students being recognized tonight by the Board.  They are each on a track to success. 

 

          Mr. Tester then introduced Lucas Lightle and Mrs. Peg Sawmiller.  Mrs. Sawmiller then read her recommendation nominating Lucas (copy enclosed).  Next, Mrs. Laura Frame congratulated Lucas and presented him a certificate of recognition.  Ron Kantner then congratulated Lucas and presented him with a student achievement pin. 

 

          Next, Mr. Tester introduced Mrs. Rees, Miss Rinehart, and Allen Denman.  Mrs. Rees read her recommendation for nominating Allen (copy enclosed).  Mrs. Frame then congratulated Allen and presented him with a certificate of recognition.  Ron Kantner then congratulated Allen and presented him with a student achievement pin. 

 

          Next, Dave Tester introduced Miss Rinehart, who was filling in for Vickie Bailey, who could not be at the meeting due to being ill with the flu.  Miss Rinehart read Mrs. Bailey’s recommendation for nominating Delaney Golliday (copy enclosed).  Mrs. Frame then congratulated Delaney and presented her with a certificate of recognition.  Ron Kantner then congratulated Delaney, presenting her with a student achievement pin. 

 

          Mr. Tester than introduced Mrs. Bledsoe and Rachael Schick.  Mrs. Bledsoe read her nomination for Rachael Schick (copy enclosed).  Mrs. Frame congratulated Rachael and presented her with a certificate of recognition.  Ron Kantner presented Rachael with an achievement pin.

 

          On behalf of the Board, Dave Copeland congratulated all the students for doing a good job and being good citizens.  He congratulated the parents for doing a great job with their kids.

 

REPORTS FROM THE BOARD

 

          Laura Frame had the following update on Northridge:

 

          - 3rd and 4th graders tried very hard on their tests and are being rewarded.  The 3rd graders will be given blizzards, and 4th graders are going bowling. 

 

          - 2nd graders made signs for the high school basketball team, and Mrs. Puthoff’s class decorated the High School halls with the signs.

 

          - The whole school had a pep rally for the high school basketball team and cheerleaders.

 

          Ron Kantner had the following update on the Middle School:

 

          - Student-initiated Bully-Free Day is March 24 to help create a bully-free school.

 

§         5th grade – 50’s theme – “Drive Away Bullies”

§         6th grade – sports theme – “Take Down Bullies”

§         7th grade – geek theme – “Out-Smart Bullies”

 

          - March 29 is an assembly by Justin Lookadoo

          - March 31 is an activity night.  The theme will be Hollywood, and kids           can dress as their favorite actor/actress.

          - Middle School will have a Relay for Life student body team this year

          - Citizenship Week will be April 3-7 – six pillars of character will be           emphasized

 

          Dave Copeland summarized the Centennial Fast Facts for March 2006 (copy enclosed)

 

          Dave Copeland then congratulated and commended the boys basketball team.  Dave commented on being impressed with the students and fans who supported the team.  It was great to see the community come together to support our team.

 

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

         

High Quality Professional Development-Early Dismissals – Julie Miars Golden discussed the State Board of Education’s 2006-07 proposed Local Report Card indicators (copy enclosed).  She explained what high quality professional development is.  It is systemic and ongoing.  A one-time seminar is not considered to be highly qualified, since it is not ongoing.  Wapakoneta City Schools’ early dismissals are planned to meet high quality professional development in line with our district plan and each school building’s improvement plan.  We plan and control the topics for the professional development during the early dismissals.  Julie explained how our professional development is geared to our master plan.

 

Julie discussed Annual Yearly Progress (AYP) as it applies to sub-groups, especially special needs students.  The state expectations for special needs could be unobtainable. 

 

Then Julie complimented Kathy Valenti’s participation in the Cridersville Science Night.  Kathy is meeting with the teachers in the lower grades to discuss hands-on science lessons.

 

Mr. Horner then noted he supports the concepts of Annual Yearly Progress.  Our argument is that it needs to be realistic.

         

ROUTINE BUSINESS

 

33-06           Kantner moved to approve the following:

 

          Minutes of regular Board meeting held February 21, 2006.

         

          Financial Reports:  monthly graphs, cash activity report, investment portfolio, operating fund (month-end expenditures), bank reconciliation, summary check register, permanent improvement fund report, and 2006 appropriations by fund/fund type/revenue summary receipt ledger.

 

          Acceptance of Donations: 

          JM Green & Associates, CPA’s           $  25.00          Power of the Pen

          Otterbein-St. Marys                              $  40.00          Crid. Jump Rope Club

          Auglaize Co. Public Library                  $100.00          Art Club

          Honda                                                $200.00          Athletic Department

          Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce          $100.00          Band

          Cridersville Business Association          $400.00          Band

          Target                                                $  31.02          Northridge Elementary

 

          New Fund.  Establish an “Other Grants” Fund (#019-9906).

         

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, subject to the approval of the Auditor
of State’s office, these funds of the Wapakoneta City School District, separate and distinct from all other funds of such district, shall and the same is hereby established and created.

 

          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be certified by the Auditor of State’s office, with the request that such office approve the creation of such funds, and on such approval being obtained or made, the treasurer is further instructed to enter such funds on the records as one of the funds of this school district, created pursuant to the provisions of the Ohio Revised Code, Section 5705.12.

 

NWOET Membership.  Approve the Northwest Ohio Educational Technology Foundation (NWOET) Comprehensive Technology Service Membership plus Video Streaming for Centennial, Northridge, Middle School, and High School (October 2005 ADM of 2,842 x $1.99 per student) and Comprehensive Membership for Cridersville (October 2005 ADM of 262 x $1.40 per student) for the 2006-07 school year.  Total cost will be $4,522.38 (this includes a $1,500 discount for last year’s overpayment). 

 

Seconded by Frame.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

PERSONNEL MATTERS

 

          Retirement

 

34-06           Sammetinger moved to accept the resignation of Deborah Buck for the purpose of retirement, effective May 31, 2006.

 

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Family Medical Leaves

 

35-06           Frame moved to approve FMLA leave for Jacquie McClintock beginning March 1, 2006, and for Heather Schreiner beginning March 14, 2006.

 

Seconded by Copeland.  Roll call:  Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; Frame, aye; and Sammetinger, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Unpaid Leave of Absence

 

36-06           Frame moved to approve an unpaid leave of absence for Heather Schreiner beginning March 14, 2006.  

 

Seconded by Sammetinger.  Roll call:  Copeland, aye; Frame, aye; Sammetinger, aye; and Kantner, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Administrator Contracts

 

37-06           Kantner moved to approve 3-year administrator contracts for the following administrators, beginning with the 2006-07 school year:

 

          Vickie Bidwell

          Wes Newland

          Ray Payne

          Aaron Rex

          Dave Tester

 

Seconded by Sammetinger.  Roll call:  Frame, aye; Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; and Copeland, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Copeland commented we have good people that are great to have around.

 

          Resignations from Supplemental Contracts

 

38-06           Sammetinger moved to accept the following resignations from

supplemental positions:

 

          Jill Askins                  assistant varsity swim coach

          Kelli Gant            varsity swim coach

          Kelly Wimmers          flag corps

 

Seconded by Frame.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Employment to Supplemental Contracts

 

39-06           Sammetinger moved to employ the following to supplemental

contracts for the 2005-06 school year:

 

          John Law               7th Grade Softball (1/2)           Step 1          $1,028.91

          Eric Temple                    7th Grade Softball (1/2)           Step 1          $1,028.91

          Zane McElroy        7th Grade Baseball Volunteer      ---                      ---

          Eric Shellenbarger  7th Grade Baseball Volunteer      ---                      ---

          Shawn Place   8th Grade Softball Volunteer      ---                      ---

 

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Employment of Casual Laborer

 

40-06           Frame moved to employ Sean Lowry as a casual laborer for the 2006 calendar year at S-2 on the salary schedule ($7.50 per hour).

 

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; Frame, aye; and Sammetinger, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Employment of Substitutes

 

41-06           Copeland moved to employ the following substitutes for the 2005-06 school year at the appropriate rate on the salary schedule, pending satisfactory completion of criminal records checks and proper certification through the Ohio Department of Education.

 

Barbara Donart              Bus Driver

Mindy Erb                     Teacher

Jaclyn Fleck                  Teacher

Heather Gudakunst          Teacher

Melody Moss                  Teacher

          Sandra Schmidt               Teacher

          Angela Merricle               Paraprofessional

         

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Copeland, aye; Frame, aye; Sammetinger, aye; and Kantner, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

Wellness Policy

 

42-06           WHEREAS, children need access to healthy foods and opportunities to be physically active in order to grow, learn, and thrive; and

 

WHEREAS, good health fosters student attendance and education; and

 

WHEREAS, obesity is increasing rapidly in the United States, affecting adults and children of all races, ethnicities, and income levels; and

 

WHEREAS, the prevalence of overweight children aged 6-11 has more than doubled in the last 20 years and the number of overweight adolescents aged 12-19 has more than tripled in the same time; and

 

WHEREAS, overweight children and adolescents are more likely than not to remain oversight, become obese adults, and develop related chronic illnesses; and

 

WHEREAS, reversing the obesity epidemic among children will require a long-term, well-coordinated approached to reach young people where they live, learn, and play; and

 

WHEREAS, schools can effectively partner with other public, non-profit, and private sector organizations in an effort to re-shape social and physical environments and provide information and practical strategies to help children and adults adopt more healthy lifestyles; and

 

WHEREAS, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 established a new requirement that all school districts with a federally-funded school meals program develop and implement wellness policies that address nutrition and physical activity no later than the beginning of the 2006-07 school year;

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that it is the intention of the Board of Education of the Wapakoneta City Schools to comply fully with 42 USC 1751 Section 204, which requires that any local educational agency participating in the National School Lunch Program establish a local school wellness policy; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent shall seek the involvement of parents, students, representatives of the school food service program, the school board, school administrators, and the public as this district’s wellness policy is developed, and shall recommend a policy to the Board not later than May 15, 2006; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board reserves the right to modify the recommended policy as it deems necessary; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said policy shall be adopted no later than June 27, 2006, and shall be effective on the first day of the school year beginning after July 1, 2006.

 

It was moved by Frame that the above resolution be approved. 

Seconded by Sammetinger.  Roll call:  Frame, aye; Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; and Copeland, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Arnett discussed that the Board Policy will meet federal guidelines when it is adopted later this spring.  Don gave the Board a copy of the committee members (copy enclosed). 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

          The next Board meeting is Monday, April 3, at 7:00 p.m. at the High School.

 

          A special Board meeting will be held at the Board Office at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2006.

 

          The Facilities Committee will meet at 5:00 p.m. at the Board Office on Wednesday, March 22, 2006.

 

          Dave Copeland complimented Dave Tester on the great snacks and decorations.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

43-06           Sammetinger moved to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing employment and compensation of a public employee or official, preparing for, conducting, or reviewing negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment, with no action to be taken except to adjourn.

 

Seconded by Frame.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

          Upon returning from executive session, it was noted that four Board members were present.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

44-06           Sammetinger moved to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.  Seconded by

Kantner.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and

Frame, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                          __________________________________

                                                          President

 

 

                                                          __________________________________

                                                          Secretary