BOARD OF EDUCATION

GLADSTONE AREA SCHOOLS

400 SOUTH TENTH STREET

GLADSTONE, MICHIGAN  49837

 

MINUTES

 

Cameron Elementary School

400 South Tenth Street

Gladstone, Michigan  49837                                                                          November 12, 2007

 

The regular Board of Education meeting of the Gladstone Area Schools was held on Monday, November 12, 2007 at 6:05 p.m. in the Cameron Elementary School.

 

The meeting was called to order by Linda Howlett, President at 6:00 p.m.

 

Members Present:       Linda Howlett, John Skellenger,  Patrick Madden, Gloria McDonnell, Dirk Manson, Gary Micheau, Steve O’Driscoll

                                   

Members Absent:       None

 

Administrative            Jay Kulbertis, Brady Downey, Jim Hansen, Tom Davis, Lori Wells, 

Team Members:          Karl Dollhopf,  John Mileski, Matt Houle, Deborah Kivela,  Janice Winkel, Harold Flagstadt, Pam Durbin

                                    

Member of                  

the Press:                     Mary Jandro

 

The list of guests is recorded in the Administrative Office as a part of the minute book.

 

Discussed the format to be used for the Superintendent’s evaluation. Jay Kulbertis presented the format used in prior years. Board members shared their comments and suggestions.

 

Motion by D. Manson to invite administrators, supervisors and the GEA to submit input about the goals for the Superintendent, supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

Board members will list their priorities and get to the Board President by November 26. A special Board meeting will be scheduled on December 3 at noon to continue with the Superintendent evaluation process.

 

Motion to recess was made by G. McDonnell and supported by S. O’Driscoll. Ayes –6, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Meeting recessed at 6:45 p.m.

Meeting  moved into open session at 7:00 p.m.

 

Pat Madden arrived at 6:55 p.m.

 

Motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by G. McDonnell and supported by S. O’Driscoll. Ayes –7, Nays –0.  Motion carried.

 

 

Page 2 of 3: Regular Minutes – November 12, 2007

 

 

Motion to approve the minutes of regular meeting October 15 and special meeting November 5 as presented was made by J. Skellenger and supported by G. McDonnell.  Ayes –7, Nays -0.  Motion carried.

 

Motion to approve payment of general fund bills numbered 26502 – 26579 and handwritten     checks numbered 1 – 69 in the amount of $156,561.72 was made by S. O’Driscoll  and supported by D. Manson.  Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Heard report from John Skellenger on Policy meeting.

 

Heard report from Gloria McDonnell on Curriculum and Personnel meeting.

 

Dr. Jay Kulbertis reported on Parent-Teacher conferences and that they were well attended; the formation of the Gladstone Schools Education Foundation is progressing; shared an update on legislation with the Public Employees Health Benefit Act; and that Michigan Works  will be conducting interviews on November 13 for the shared services position.

 

Motion to accept a first reading of a list of NEOLA policies was made by D. Manson and supported by S. O’Driscoll. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to regretfully accept a letter of resignation from Chris Kelley as Girls Varsity Basketball Coach was made by D. Manson and supported by J. Skellenger. Ayes –6, Nays –1. Motion carried. Pat Madden was the nay vote.

 

Pat Madden addressed the Board and audience that with Mr. Kelley’s resignation, we are losing a good person, and due to unfortunate circumstances he felt it necessary to resign. Mr. Madden stated that the Board made the right decision at the October Board meeting to award this position to Mr. Kelley. The Board publicly apologized to Mr. Kelley.

 

Motion to award the Girls Varsity Basketball Coach position to Peggy Beauchamp was made by P. Madden and supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to award the Girls JV Basketball Coach position to Lorrie Botruff was made by G. McDonnell and supported by G. Micheau. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the issuance and delegating the sale of the 2008 refunding of bonds was made by S. O’Driscoll and supported by G. McDonnell. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to adopt a resolution for reduction in staff was made by J. Skellenger and supported by D. Manson. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to approve a contracted service agreement with the ISD to perform payroll and accounts payable duties was made by G. McDonnell and supported by S. O’Driscoll. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Motion to approve to post a part-time Title I Aide position was made by G. McDonnell and supported by P. Madden. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

Page 3 of 3: Regular Minutes – November 12, 2007

 

 

Ken Haswell addressed his concern about bullying. A lengthy discussion followed.

 

Teachers Cindy Stock, Kristi Mayville, and Neil Gerber shared information about the bullying issue and programs that are and have been available.

 

Tim DeClair commented on the rumors regarding Chris Kelley. President Linda Howlett stated that this is a mute point now.

 

Motion to go into closed session to discuss contract negotiations was made by S. O’Driscoll and supported by G. McDonnell. Roll call vote:  D. Manson –Aye; G. Micheau –Aye; S. O’Driscoll –Aye; G. McDonnell –Aye; P. Madden –Aye; J. Skellenger –Aye; L. Howlett –Aye. Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Meeting moved into closed session at 8:00 p.m.

 

Meeting moved into open session at 8:42 p.m.

 

Motion to adjourn was made by G. McDonnell and supported by S. O’Driscoll.  Ayes –7, Nays –0. Motion carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.

 

                                                                                    ____________________________________                                                Secretary, Board of Education

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