The Wapakoneta City Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, May 15, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at Centennial Elementary School.  The meeting was called to order by President Ron Mertz.  Roll call was as follows:  Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; Kantner, aye; Mertz, aye; and Frame, excused due to personal illness.  Also in attendance were Superintendent, Keith Horner; Treasurer, Susan Rinehart; Business Manager, Don Arnett; staff and administrators; students, parents, and grandparents; community members; and media representative.

 

          The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Ron Mertz.

                  

RECOGNITION OF CENTENNIAL STUDENTS

         

          Wes Newland welcomed everyone.  He was very excited that they were able to showcase and highlight this evening some of the boys and girls that attend Centennial School.  These students exemplify the Big 5 of Centennial, which are:

                             1) Respect others

                             2) Follow directions

                             3) Listen carefully

                             4) Raise your hand

                             5) Work quietly

 

All these students try very hard.  They exhibit good citizenship and good leadership qualities. 

 

          Wes began the program by recognizing Ashleigh Gibson.  He read the recommendation that Mrs. Cheri Brandt had written about Ashley.  Mrs. Brandt was unable to attend the meeting this evening, so Wes was more than happy to take her place in honoring Ashleigh.  Ron Mertz and Ron Kantner, Board members, then presented Ashleigh with a student achievement pin and a recognition certificate and congratulated Ashleigh.

 

          The next student to be recognized was Gage Schenk.  Mrs. Carol Erb nominated Gage.  Mrs. Erb was unable to attend, so Wes also read the nomination form for Gage.  Mr. Mertz and Mr. Kantner presented Gage with a certificate of achievement and a pin and congratulated Gage.

 

          The third student to be recognized was Seth Bowers, nominated by Mrs. Karen Hutt, who was at the meeting and congratulated Seth.  She read what she had written about Seth.  Mr. Copeland and Mr. Kantner presented Seth with a student achievement pin and a recognition certificate and congratulated him.

 

          The next student to be recognized was Nolan Brandehoff.  He was nominated by Mrs. Jan Yinger.  Mrs. Yinger was unable to attend.  However, Mrs. Ewing was able to attend and read what Mrs. Yinger had written about Nolan.  Mr. Mertz and Mr. Kantner presented Nolan with a student achievement pin and a recognition certificate and congratulated him.

 

          The next student to be recognized was Kassandra Dangelo.  Kim Holloway recommended her and was at the meeting.  Kim said Kassandra likes to be called “Andy” and was very proud to honor her achievement and expressed her reasons for nominating Kassandra.  Mr. Mertz and Mr. Kantner also recognized Andy with a student achievement pin and a recognition certificate.

 

          Cassidy Hughes was the final student to be recognized.  Mrs. Nikki Sutton had recommended her.  Mrs. Sutton was unable to be at the meeting, so Wes was more than happy to read what Mrs. Sutton had to say in nominating Cassidy.  Mr. Mertz and Mr. Kantner presented Cassidy with a student achievement pin and a recognition certificate and congratulated her.

 

          Wes Newland congratulated all the parents on doing such a great job with the students and was glad to see everyone attend the recognition this evening.  Wes thanked the Board for allowing Centennial to share the wonderful success stories they have with their students and he thanked the staff members who were able to attend this evening.  He praised the staff members for doing such a great job with the students.

 

          Ron Mertz thanked the staff members for taking the time to come this evening.  He said this is a reality check for the students and parents tonight to see their teachers come out to be part of this recognition.  The Board appreciates how hard the staff works.

 

REPORTS FROM THE BOARD

 

          Dave Copeland highlighted Fast Facts from Centennial.  Items included:

Staff Appreciation Week May 8-12, Mini-Relay for Life and Field Day on May 5, Mother’s Day celebrations in many classrooms, 2nd grade field trip to Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton, the High School Singsation Show Choir performed, the Middle School D.A.R.E. team visited to read to classes, adult volunteers were recognized at a breakfast reception, and kindergarten assessments were conducted.

 

          Dr. Ron Kantner had the following discussion about the Middle School.  Student Senate is finishing its Relay for Life teams and getting ready for that event.  The recess equipment fundraiser has been completed and was very successful.  They do not have a net profit yet, but they are working on that.  The band and choir concerts were absolutely awesome this year.  We have lots of very talented kids that go to Wapakoneta City Schools.

         

          Ron Mertz then commented that the Facilities Committee met Saturday.  They went over the Big Jobs list and approved some items off that, including safety items for the bus mechanics. 

 

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

         

Food Service Update – Lori McKean discussed the handout that she had for the Board.  They have had a successful update of all their equipment, re-computerizing the registers and updating the software at the buildings.  The technology coordinators came on site to assist with the upgrade, and Steve Schuler and Mark Law spent a lot of time with Lori getting things set up.  They are now running touch screens and it is going very well.  The kids are really excited about the new equipment.  Lori now has the capability of monitoring each cash register from her office.  She can log on to assist the cashier’s if they are having problems and can constantly do reviews.  Lori discussed food quality and menus with the Board.  She will be recommending an increase in prices this year. 

 

Ron Mertz then stated he’d like to know the number of adult lunches served per building per month.  Lori commented that she would be able to get that to Ron.

 

Wellness Policy Updates – Julie Miars Golden discussed the policy update they are recommending to the Board.  Rose Roof will be collecting and maintaining all the documents.  Julie highlighted the bold items in the handout to the Board and wanted to bring those to their attention.  She appreciated the Board members who were participating.  Dr. Kantner is on one of the sub-committees and has been very helpful. 

 

Dave Copeland asked if we could deviate from the Wellness Policy.  Julie said yes.  These are new guidelines and we are trying to do a broad policy at this time.  We are basically trying to model healthy eating habits.  Mr. Arnett also thanked Dr. Kantner for being the Board representative on the committee.  He has been very insightful and helpful.  Julie said she will have the updated draft contract with her recommendations soon. 

 

High School Cross Walks Project – Don Arnett discussed the Facilities Committee meeting that was held this past Saturday.  Discussion was held on safety at the High School and Northridge, studying the subdivision across the street from the High School.  Currently, there is no designated cross walk and there are several needs.  The committee determined that the City is offering, through a Community Development Block Grant, to put in two cross walks and side walks in the subdivision across from the High School so it can be accessed by two streets—Mohican Trail and Apache Trail.  These are the two main streets into the subdivision.

 

Next, they discussed putting in a driveway out of the west end of the parking lot to alleviate some of the safety issues and traffic flow problems.  The City of Wapakoneta will be allowing us to participate in their cost per cubic foot of sidewalks if we wish to put in sidewalks from these cross walk areas.  Also, they are going to coordinate the lights with the legal school limit time.  The sidewalks would be 6 feet wide by 6 inches deep to allow for school equipment to be utilized to clear the sidewalks on school property in the winter. 

 

Finance Committee Report – Susan Rinehart noted there was a Finance Committee meeting to discuss the five-year forecast.  Mr. Horner said we would be watching what we are doing to avoid spending more than we are taking in and to prolong deficit spending as long as possible.  Mr. Copeland noted that we have been doing budget cuts and we will need to be more serious about cutting the budgets to be more responsible for the future.

 

High School Bowling Team – Willie Sammetinger reported on the High School bowling team.  Mr. Watt noted that the High School Athletic Association has approved bowling as a school sport.  It is not going to be a Western Buckeye League sport at this time because there are not enough teams in the league to participate.  The bowling alley is offering to have lanes to the bowling team at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Mike Watt was wondering if this would be an issue, since it would be on a Sunday.  At this time we have 35 students signed up, and Mike would like the Board members to discuss this and let Mike know if it would be an issue to allow them to use the lanes on Sunday at 1:00.  Mr. Mertz commented that he would like the community to let the Board know how they feel about having an event on a Sunday.  Current Board policy restricts league-sanctioned athletic events from occurring on Sunday. 

 

ROUTINE BUSINESS

 

72-06           Kantner moved to approve the following:

 

          Minutes of a regular Board meeting held April 18, 2006, and a special

Board meeting held April 27, 2006.

         

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

 

          Acceptance of Donation: 

          Wapakoneta Soccer Alumni Association                     $2,000.00  

          (reimburse Athletic Department for soccer scoreboard installation)

 

          Ohio High School Athletic Association:  Continue membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for the 2006-07 school year.

 

          West Central Assistive Technology Center:  Continue membership in the West Central Assistive Technology Center (ATC) Consortium for the 2006-07 school year, effective July 1, 2006, at a cost of $700.

 

          Acceptance of 2006 High School Graduates:  Approve the recommended list of graduating seniors for 2006, as presented by the principal, Bob Askins, contingent upon completion of all requirements (list to be included in minutes).

 

Seconded by Copeland.  Roll call:  Copeland, aye; Kantner, aye; Mertz, aye; and

Sammetinger, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

PERSONNEL MATTERS

 

          Employment of English Teacher

 

73-06           Sammetinger moved to employ (Jon) Scott Mosel as an English teacher at Wapakoneta High School for the 2006-07 school year, at the rate of $46,708.00, M + 9, 7 years of experience.

 

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Kantner, aye; Mertz, aye; Sammetinger, aye;

and Copeland, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mr. Horner commented that Mr. Mosel came to us with high-level courses and experience that our students will greatly benefit from.  Mr. Mertz commented that we are not against hiring a teacher with experience, but we usually hire teachers newly out of college.

 

          Employment of Casual Laborers

 

74-06           Sammetinger moved to employ the following casual laborers for the 2006 calendar year, on an as-needed basis, pending satisfactory completion of criminal records checks.

 

          Alex Beach                   R-1          $6.25 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Brent Cummings          R-3          $6.75 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Eric Elsass                   R-7          $7.75 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Floyd Gross           S-8           $9.00 per hour          (beginning 5/1/06)

          Jess Limbert          R-1          $6.25 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Cody McClintock          R-2          $6.50 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Tom Nester                   G-2          $6.75 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Matt Stinebaugh          R-2          $6.50 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Josh Varno                    G-3          $7.00 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

          Brian Yinger          R-2          $6.50 per hour          (beginning 5/30/06)

 

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

 

          Mr. Arnett reminded the Board that our standard procedure for hiring seasonal workers is to start with the previous year’s staff, then begin by application date from January 1.

 

          Employment of Casual Laborer

 

75-06           Sammetinger moved to employ the following casual laborer for the 2006 calendar year, on an as-needed basis, pending satisfactory completion of a criminal records check.

 

          Jenna Copeland          R-1          $6.25 per hour           (beginning 5/30/06)

 

Seconded by Mertz.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, abstain; Kantner, aye; and Mertz, aye.  Motion passed, 3 ayes, 1 abstention.

 

          Employment of Substitutes

 

76-06           Copeland moved to employ the following substitutes at the appropriate rate on the salary schedule, pending satisfactory completion of criminal records checks and proper certification through the Ohio Department of Education.

 

          Sharon Carrico                  Secretary             (2005-06 School Year)

          Sharon Carrico                  Secretary             (2006-07 School Year)

          Kelly Krebs                     Secretary             (2006-07 School Year)

          Kelly Krebs                     Paraprofessional          (2006-07 School Year)

          Angela Merricle               Paraprofessional          (2006-07 School Year)

          Barb Webb                     Secretary             (2006-07 School Year)

          Barb Webb                     Paraprofessional          (2006-07 School Year)

          Michelle Bensman             Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Rebecca Eisert           Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Rebekah Kohler                  Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Tamara Laise           Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Amber Strawn                 Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Darcy West                      Teacher                (2006-07 School Year)

          Steve Link                      Bus Driver                    (2006-07 School Year)

 

Seconded by Kantner.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; Kantner,

aye; and Mertz, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

          Resignations from Supplemental Positions

 

77-06           Kantner moved to accept the following resignations from supplemental positions:

 

Dale Meyer                   National Honor Society Advisor

Cortney Rogers          Math Club Advisor

 

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

 

          The Board commented they appreciated their service.

 

          Employment to Supplemental Position

 

78-06           Mertz moved to employ Rochelle Dunlap as Flag Corps instructor for the 2006-07 school year, at the rate of $2,119.56, Step 1.

 

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

 

          Employment of Fall Coaches

 

79-06           Sammetinger moved to employ the following coaches for the 2006-07 school year:

 

          Football

          Head                     Kevin Fell                       Step 4          $6,078.15

          1st Varsity Asst.  Mark Law                       Step 4          $4,550.82

          1st Varsity Asst.  Bill Sammons              Step 4          $4,550.82

          Assistant              Jeremy Dickey             Step 4          $3,646.89

          Assistant              Jon Geuy                     Step 4          $3,646.89

          Assistant              Todd Erb                        Step 4          $3,646.89

          Assistant              Bob Askins                             Step 4          $3,646.89

          Assistant              Tim Duncan                 Step 4          $3,646.89

          Middle School          Bart Smith                              Step 4          $2,742.96

          Middle School          Dustin Dobie                 Step 4          $2,742.96

          Middle School          Adam Friemering            Step 1          $2,119.56

          Volunteer             Bill Kellermeyer                   ------               ------

          Volunteer             Jack Miller                    ------              ------

          Volunteer             Scott Wilson                   ------              ------

          Volunteer             Brent Copeland              ------              ------

          Volunteer             Tom Hunter                           ------               ------

 

 

 

          Volleyball

          Head                     Jill Askins                             Step 2          $3,958.59

          Assistant              Kim Metz                      Step 4          $3,646.89

          Middle School          Todd Crow                     Step 4          $2,742.96

          Middle School          Kerry Hart                      Step 2          $2,368.92

 

          Boys Golf

          Head                     Kenny Wayman             Step 4          $3,646.89

          Volunteer             Jason Kline                     ------              ------

 

          Cheerleaders

          Football                Deb Warner   (1/2)  Step 4          $1,371.48

          Football                Kathy Valenti   (1/2)  Step 4          $1,372.48

          Fresh. Football          Phyllis Lisi   (1/3)                    Step 4          $1,215.63

          M.S. Football          Shelly Koch   (1/3)  Step 4        $   685.74

 

          Girls Tennis

          Head                     Mike Klock                    Step 4          $3,646.89

 

          Cross Country

          High School                   Mark Cook                     Step 4          $4,550.82

          Middle School          Abby Truesdale              Step 1          $1,371.48

 

          Boys Socccer

          Head                     Dan Lee                        Step 4          $4,550.82

 

          Girls Soccer

          Assistant              Anthony Hunt                Step 1          $2,742.96

 

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

 

          Employment to Supplemental Positions

 

80-06           Copeland moved to employ the following to supplemental positions:

 

          Art Club                          Suzanne Temple          Step 4          $1,901.37

          Academic Team                  Adam Friemering          Step 2          $1,433.82

          French Club                      Lisa Romer           Step 4          $1,901.37

          Spanish Club                     Vicki Smith           Step 4          $1,901.37

          H.S. Musical                     Todd Christopher          Step 4          $2,057.22

          Show Choir                        Todd Christopher          Step 4          $2,742.96

          Redskin Review                Todd Christopher          Step 4          $2,057.22

          Asst. Instrumental Music   Steve Wimmer                Step 4          $3,646.89

          H.S. Instrumental Music    Klayton Hilleary          Step 4          $6,078.15

          Show Choir Band               Steve Wimmers              Step 4          $1,433.82

          Senior Class Advisor            Marilyn Wills            Step 4          $1,433.82

          Junior Class Advisor            Sharon Rees            Step 4          $2,057.22

          Sophomore Class Advisor  Kristi Spencer                Step 2          $1,433.82

          Freshman Class Advisor            Rick Bowersock          Step 4          $1,433.82

          H.S. Newspaper                Julie Courter                 Step 4          $3,646.89

          H.S. Student Senate            Brad Rex                         Step 4          $2,742.96

          Yearbook Advisor               Trent Thornton               Step 2          $5,174.22

          Yearbook Business Mgr.      Michelle Borges                  Step 4          $2,057.22

          Video Production Coord.             Dan Allison           Step 4          $2,057.22

          Science Department Head  Kathy Valenti                  Step 4          $1,901.37

          Math Department Head     Darrell Heintz                   Step 4          $1,901.37

          English Department Head  Diane Elshire                  Step 4          $1,901.37

          Social Studies Dept. Head  Darrell Jones                    Step 4          $1,901.37

 

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

 

Extended Service Contracts

 

81-06           Sammetinger moved to grant extended service contracts to the following people for the 2006-07 school year:

 

Technology Support

Roger Herriott                 11 days

Mark Law                       11 days

Steve Schuler                 15 days

 

Guidance Counselors

Rick Bowersock            20 days

Mark Koch                     20 days

Laura Mears                    6 days

Kim Metz                      20 days

Deb Warner                            20 days

 

Title I Reading

Starla Amos                     10 days

 

Vocational Agriculture

Ron Brown                             55 days

Chris Turner                  35 days

 

Psychologist

Roberta Parker               40 days

 

 

Librarian

Joan Kentner                20 days

 

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

 

Leave of Absence

 

82-06           Kantner moved to approve a leave of absence for Lori Wycuff, for medical reasons, beginning May 15, 2006, and continuing through the end of the 2005-06 school year.

 

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

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

          Agreement with Auglaize County ESC

 

83-06           Sammetinger moved to approve an agreement with the Auglaize County Educational Service Center to provide special education (ED) services of Gregg Luthman to the Auglaize County Educational Service Center for the 2006-07 school year.  The contracted salary and fringe benefit expenses are estimated in the amount of $71,106.

 

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

 

          Approval of Fleet, Property, and Liability Insurance

 

84-06           Kantner moved to adopt the fleet, property, and liability insurance policy from Stolly Insurance Group for coverages and limits as attached, including an excess liability umbrella form.  Premium to be set at $115,500 annually.

 

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

          The next Board meeting is Tuesday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the High School.

 

          Graduation is at 10:30 a.m. at the High School on May 27 in the gym.  Board members are asked to be there at 9:45 in preparation for the ceremony. 

 

          The Wapakoneta Daily News is doing articles on the TEL amendment, and they will be asking the Board for their opinions. 

 

          Mr. Horner reported that the future Performing Arts Center focus group has visited three sites so far.  They are Marysville, Dublin Coffman, and Worthington Kilbourne High Schools, and they will be doing more site visits and having another meeting soon.  The next meeting for the public will be June 6, and there will be an open discussion on auditorium possibilities.

 

          Mike Watt reported on WBL.  Spring sports are still in progress.  There have been a lot of rain-outs.  In spite of the rain-outs, the spring sports are going well and the teams are doing well.  There will be physicals only on one day this year, and that will be June 7, but they have extended the time.  Any child who needs a physical for sports needs to make sure they attend on June 7.  This is the only time they can facilitate the doctors.  The doctors have been good about extending the time frame to hopefully meet the students’ needs.

 

HEARING OF THE PUBLIC

 

          Joe Bailey wanted to discuss the music program.  He said that we have a fantastic show choir.  The kids do a great job.  They work hard.  The music and choir programs are awesome.  The program does need help.  He feels the choir director needs an assistant.  There is a large number of kids in this program and they do a lot of different things and they have a lot to offer.  He just feels that they need an assistant because they do lots of competitions and there is a lot of time spent.  The concerts are fantastic, and he would appreciate it if the Board could look into doing something to give some assistance to this program. 

 

          Ron Mertz then commented that we are looking at the program and are interested in the arts and are committed to that program, as will be demonstrated by our reviewing auditoriums and looking at that project to complete the arts programs for our school district.

 

          Joe just commented that he doesn’t want the program to go backwards.  He thinks it needs to go to the next level, and an assistant would be very beneficial in that.

 

          The Board thanked Joe for his comments.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

85-06           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 Kantner.  Roll call:  Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; Kantner, aye; and Mertz, aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

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

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

86-06           Sammetinger moved to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.  Seconded by

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

aye.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                           _______________________________________

                                                           President

 

 

                                                           _______________________________________

                                                           Secretary