The Wapakoneta City Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, September 18, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at Wapakoneta Middle 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, aye. Also in attendance were Keith Horner, Superintendent; Susan Rinehart, Treasurer; Don Arnett, Director of Operations; administrators and staff; media representative; and community members.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Mertz.

RECOGNITION OF RETIREE

Keith Horner congratulated Judy Ewing for over 30 years as an elementary teacher in the Wapakoneta City Schools. He stated it was a great honor to recognize her this evening. Judy Ewing stated it has been a blessing working for Wapakoneta City Schools. Board President Ron Mertz congratulated Judy on behalf of the Board and presented her with a watch in appreciation of her many years of service to Wapakoneta City Schools.

REPORTS FROM THE BOARD

Northridge Update - Laura Frame visited Northridge last week and gave the following report: Northridge’s theme this year is “Dive into Learning.” Each class has posted a mission statement for this year’s accomplishments. Their three rocks this year are vocabulary, independent reading, and good manners. The PTT gave folders to each student this year, and Marsha Lotridge should be commended for virtually handling the book fair herself. The Redskin program for reading tutoring will begin next week.

Centennial Update - Dave Copeland visited Centennial. He had attended Centennial in his school years. He was amazed that the building had not changed much. He visited the modular unit and thought it was very nice. He also went to the Middle School the same day for lunch. He was impressed at how many kids were thanking the cafeteria staff.

Finance/Facilities Committee Meeting - Dave Copeland also reported on the joint Finance/Facilities Committee meeting. The committee is looking at a dry storage building. The Finance Committee felt it was important to stress that funds are being moved around so that some of the permanent improvement money is being put toward the general fund to purchase other approved items such as textbooks and buses to keep our school system in the black. The permanent improvement funds are not being used for wages.

Thank You - Ron Kantner thanked Ray Payne and Vickie Bidwell for hosting the Board meeting. He informed the Board that the Middle School PTT fundraiser kickoff is Thursday and the fundraiser starts Monday. The students have been adjusting to the double-blocking of math.

Parkway Auditorium Visit - Ron Mertz and Laura Frame visited Parkway’s auditorium with the Performing Arts Center Committee. Parkway’s auditorium is a simple, beautiful facility which is not elaborate, but has just the right tools. They will try to get more people to Parkway to see the auditorium, as it has been decided to use that facility as a model for our district’s new facility.

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Donation from American Legion #330 – Mike Watt introduced Les Chiles, Manager of the local American Legion. The American Legion will be supplying funding in the amount of approximately $25,000-$30,000 over the next five years to help modify and revamp the middle school baseball field, including putting down sod and installing an irrigation system. The field will be used by the 7^th & 8^th grade, freshmen, and J.V. programs. Mr. Watt thanked Les Chiles and the American Legion for their donation and support of the Wapakoneta Athletic Program.

Donation from Doug Koenig Fund – Ryan Sell represented the group of people who have raised funds for a new baseball scoreboard in memory of Doug Koenig. The scoreboard is a very advanced system, and the donation from the Doug Koenig Foundation through the Wapakoneta Fire Department is very much appreciated.

Summer School – Starla Amos reported on summer school results. The first session was June 12-30 for 3^rd grade only. Twenty-four students were invited because of their not passing the achievement test. Three students attended. Those three students took the test again, and one more student passed the test. The second session was held July 24-August 10 and included kindergarten, 1^st grade, 2^nd grade, 4^th grade, and middle school students and was held at the high school. A total of 99 students attended the second session. (Specific results are reported on the enclosed handout.) Starla thanked the maintenance staff, principals, Julie Miars Golden, and Trina Tester for their help. Starla stated they were disappointed with the attendance this year, so they are exploring options for next year. Ron Mertz thanked all the summer school teachers for their hard work during the summer.

FFA National Convention – Chris Turner discussed the proposed field trip for FFA to Indianapolis. They would be traveling with New Bremen, Minster, and possibly Kalida, on charter buses.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

139-06 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.

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

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

ROUTINE BUSINESS

140-06 Copeland moved to approve the following:

Minutes of regular Board meeting held August 21, 2006, a Facilities/

Finance Committee meeting held August 29, 2006, and a special Board

meeting held September 5, 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 2007 appropriations by fund/fund type/revenue summary receipt ledger.

Acceptance of Donations:

Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation (Doug Koenig Fund) $ 1,500

-- Scholarships for Josh Brown & Adam Greve (Wapakoneta FFA)

Wapakoneta Area Community Foundation (Doug Koenig Fund) $ 6,000

-- Baseball field scoreboard

Wapakoneta Eagles Aerie #691 Game Fund $ 50

-- In memory of Keith Salmons for bowling team

Disabled American Veterans $ 400

-- Band

Cridersville Volunteer Fire Department $ 200

-- Band

Veterans of Foreign Wars

-- Donation of flag for administration building

American Legion $25,000

-- Middle School baseball field upgrades (in increments of $5,000/yr.)

Willie Sammetinger expressed sincere gratitude for all the donations and what they provide for the kids and our community.

Seconded by Kantner. Roll call: Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; Kantner, aye; Frame, aye; and Mertz, abstain. Motion passed, 4 ayes, 1 abstention.

PERSONNEL MATTERS

Employment of Bus Driver

141-06 Copeland moved to employ Linda Carter as a bus driver at 4 hours per day, Step 1, $14.96 per hour, effective October 2, 2006.

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

Employment of CBI Student Workers

142-06 Kantner moved to employ the following C.B.I. (Career-Based Intervention) students for the 2006-07 school year at a minimum rate of $2.75 per hour, per vocational curriculum program:

Breanna Boomershine

Kyle Essex

Joey Heistand

Kris Kohlhorst

Zach Leugers

Austin Perkins

Chris Roberts

Brooklynne Slygh

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

Employment to Supplemental Positions

143-06 Sammetinger moved to employ the following on supplemental contracts for the 2006-07 school year:

Quiz Bowl

6^th Grade Marilyn Shaw Step 4 $ 966.27

7^th/8^th Grade Barbara Webb Step 1 $ 592.23

Girls Basketball

Middle School Bill Dellinger Step 4 $2,742.96

Middle School Kevin Drexler Step 4 $2,742.96

Varsity Assistant Lou Seddelmeyer Step 4 $4,550.82

Wrestling

Assistant Brian Cossell Step 1 $2,742.96

Assistant Brent Miller Step 2 $3,054.66

Middle School Mark Law Step 4 $2,742.96

Middle School Tom Mielecki Step 4 $2,742.96

Bowling

Boys Brian VanMeter Step 1 $2,119.56

Girls James Brannan Step 1 $2,119.56

M.S. Athletic Supv. Gregg Ruppert Step 2 $3,958.59

Seconded by Copeland. Roll call: Frame, aye; Mertz, nay; Sammetinger, aye; Copeland, aye; and Kantner, aye. Motion passed, 4 ayes, 1 nay.

Employment to Supplemental Positions

144-06 Sammetinger moved to employ the following on supplemental contracts for the 2006-07 school year:

Boys Basketball

Assistant (1/2) A.J. Lisi Step 2 $1,527.33

Assistant (1/2) Jared Askins Step 2 $1,527.33

Middle School Ryan Loy Step 1 $2,119.56

Middle School Josh Lisi Step 1 $2,119.56

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

Leaves of Absence

145-06 Kantner moved to approve the following leaves of absence:

Aretha Green approximately 6 weeks

Michelle Knippen approximately 8 weeks

Melissa Hilty approximately 11 weeks (includes FMLA)

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

Resignation

146-06 Mertz moved to accept the resignation of Donna Gibson from her cafeteria position, effective September 1, 2006.

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

Employment of Substitutes

147-06 Copeland moved to employ the following substitutes for the 2006-07 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.

Diana Davis Teacher

Nancy Hearne Teacher

Nancy Hearne Paraeducator/Secretary

Jane Childress Paraeducator/Secretary

Cheryl Johns Paraeducator/Secretary

Susan Leffel Paraeducator/Secretary

Tiffany Snyder Paraeducator/Secretary

Susan Hawson Paraeducator

Susan Hawson Cafeteria

Angela Helmstetter Cafeteria

Marie Huelskamp Cafeteria

Lisa Myers Cafeteria

Glenda Pangle Cafeteria

Nancy Saxton Cafeteria

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

MISCELLANEOUS

FFA National Convention

148-06 Kantner moved to approve a field trip for high school students to attend the FFA National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 26-28, 2006.

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

Advertise for Bus Bids

149-06 Copeland moved to give the Director of Operations permission to advertise for two 78-passenger, forward-engine transit-style diesel school buses and one Type-A cutaway bus. The Wapakoneta City Schools Facilities Committee has recommended a 13-year bus replacement plan.

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

Retaining Bond Attorneys

150-06 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Wapakoneta City School District (hereinafter called the “Board of Education”), County of Auglaize, Ohio:

SECTION 1. That Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP, Attorneys of Columbus, Ohio, be and are hereby retained to prepare the necessary proceedings for the Board of Education in connection with its proposed School Improvement Bond issue pre-election proceedings for the District’s note issuance proceeding (if any) and bond issuance proceedings.

SECTION 2. That said firm of attorneys shall be compensated by this Board of Education for its services as follows:

For preparation of resolutions and supervision of pre-election proceedings: $500

For Bond Anticipation Notes (if issued) $0.75 per $1,000 of notes

For School Improvement Bonds:

Bond Counsel Services (includes preliminary official

statement and final official statement assistance, legal

opinion, tax counsel advice): $2.10 per $1,000 of bonds

(plus out-of-pocket expenses)

SECTION 3. That this Board of Education hereby finds and determines that all formal actions relative to the adoption of this resolution were taken in an open meeting of this Board of Education; and that all deliberations of this Board of Education and of its committees, if any, which resulted in formal action, were taken in meetings open to the public, in full compliance with applicable legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Copeland moved to approve the above resolution. Seconded by Mertz. Roll call: Frame, aye; Mertz, aye; Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; and Copeland, aye. Motion passed unanimously.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The next Board meeting is Monday, October 16, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at the High School.

There is a one-hour early dismissal and an open house at Cridersville on Tuesday, September 19.

Friday, September 22, is the Homecoming football game and Saturday is the Homecoming dance at the High School.

The December Board meeting will be changed to Tuesday, December 19, at 7:00 p.m. at the High School.

Ron Mertz thanked Don Arnett, Mike Watt, and the maintenance staff for the sound system at the football field. It sounds great!

HEARING OF THE PUBLIC

Bob Connor, Mayor of Cridersville, had the following update for the Board on the Village of Cridersville:

> The Council is working on locating property for a land swap with the Board for an acceptable future building site.

> Cridersville is experiencing new housing development growth to the south and to the west.

> New businesses have moved to Cridersville.

> Cridersville has prosperous ground on the east side of town.

> The Council would like to know how many acres the state requires for a school site.

> The Council wanted to remind the Board that you need a school, a bank, and a grocery store to make a town.

Bob thanked the Board for listening to him.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

151-06 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: Mertz, aye; Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; and Frame, aye. Motion passed unanimously.

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

ADJOURNMENT

152-06 Sammetinger moved to adjourn at 9:39 p.m. Seconded by Kantner. Roll call: Sammetinger, aye; Kantner, aye; Copeland, aye; Frame, aye; and Mertz, aye. Motion passed unanimously.

_____________________________________

President

_____________________________________

Secretary