Regular Meeting on March 19, 2008: The Board of Education of the Laurel School District met on this date in the Conference room at the District Office with the following members present: Jerry W. White, President, Calvin L. Musser, Vice-President, L. Edward Jestice, Jr., Harvey W. Hyland, Jr., Dorothy Hickman and Linda Schenck, Executive Secretary. Also present were Dorothy Nave, Dean Ivory, Jennifer Givens, Julie Bradley, Rich Gaskill, Gail Fowler, Karen Hughes, Bill Hitch, Mike McClure, Glenn Rolfe, Marsha Murphy, and guests signed in on the attached list. President White called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and immediately led the group in the Salute to the Flag followed by a moment of silence. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve minutes of the regular meeting of February 21, 2008 and special meeting March 11, 2008 Mrs. Schenck introduced Tammy Oliphant, Secretary and Russell Elliott, President of the Laurel Softball Boosters. Mr. Elliott asked the Board for permission to install a press box at the Laurel Softball field. The project is fully funded by volunteers, with no cost to the district. There is electricity for the school board which can be run to the press box. Mr. Elliott shared pictures of the project with the Board. Mrs. Schenck asked who would maintain the building from inclement weather damage or vandalism. Mr. Elliott stated as long as the Booster club is organized they would take care of the building in every aspect. Mr. Musser reiterated with Mr. Elliott that the building is on skids and can be easily moved if necessary. The Board agreed to address the request at this evening’s meeting under new business since the softball season is under way. During public participation, Mr. David Brown shared with the Board his concerns on how he feels the Middle School baseball team has not kept parents informed e.g. physicals due without notice, money due without notice, doing an all-call for a meeting during school that many students missed because the intercom does not broadcast in that class, bleachers missing from the Middle School. He feels as a working parent that the school is not communicating enough. Mrs. Schenck stated she would discuss this with Mr. Mears and asked Mrs. Givens if some classrooms are not receiving announcements. Mrs. Schenck shared good news about our Middle School BPA students. Nineteen students participated in States and won seven medals, where they will now compete in the Nationals. We were also honored with the “torch award.” Also she shared information about the minor bus accident with Mary Bryan’s bus 11 on March 17, 2008. Thanking everyone involved for their help, seven students were transported to the hospital and all are back in school within the next two days. Mrs. Schenck recognized Pam Smith for assisting with her bus, the Bryan’s, Mary & Bobby visited the home of each of the students and Julie Bradley went to the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital to sit with her students and parents while they were assisted by the medical team. Mrs. Schenck reiterated this is a “typical Laurel character.” A letter will be sent to each party who helped the Laurel School District. Mrs. Schenck also shared that the DE financial committee announced a shortfall of 126 million dollars, with a future projection of two million. Our district will be facing a realistic financial payback. Call to Order
Approved Minutes
Recognition of Guests
Public Participation
Communication and Announcements
Board of Education Minutes 03-19-08 – Page 2 Mr. Gaskill introduced Mrs. Sharon Dolby as presenter for the Paul Laurence Dunbar report. She shared with the group a presentation on “Character Camp.” This is a character builder for elementary students using trustworthy, compassion, and fairness. The school climate task force compiles the ideas for students to learn and follow. To keep their attention “auto be good” was created, where the cars speak to the students. Approximate every 4 to 5 weeks the students go to camp. They look forward to it and know what the camp is all about. A parent letter his sent home after each lesson and help the parents to reinforce at home. This flows into the classroom and the team is looking for the behaviors that the students can earn a golden smile. The bus drivers, custodian and others have golden smiles to hand out when they witness a student being a good citizen. Mrs. Darnell explained the two fold part of this program. The teachers do not have a common planning time and could not coordinate their schedules to discuss events with each other. This camp allows the teachers 45 minutes to meet, without their students to discuss issues, arranging trips and everyday tasks to compare notes and how well projects are working in their classes. Mrs. Gail Fowler presented information through power point on educational special services. In special education, the team is responsible for all in our district from birth to 21 years of age. She shared the different classifications of children and the number in each category which has to be reported each year to the Federal government. The district serves the students in many ways, mostly in classroom learning centers. The students are taught life-skills lessons to help them once on their own. Mrs. Fowler showed how many centers there are to help these students’ different needs. The inclusion model for pre-kindergarten students at Paul Laurence Dunbar works very well. There is a small fee and the classes have a waiting list. The students that are involved in the program at high school must be taught until the age of 21. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the monthly financial report submitted by Bill Hitch. Mr. Musser moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to rescind the offer of Choice for Robert Bell to finish the 2007-08 school year. Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Musser, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the following Choice requests: • Alexa Nastasi to attend North Laurel in second grade for the 2008-2009 school year. • Collin Arzuaga to complete this school year 2007-2008 at Paul Laurence Dunbar • Sabrina & Jessica Savage to complete this school year 2007-2008 at North Laurel School District Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to deny the following 2008-2009 Choice applications: • Collin Arzuaga, Sabrina Savage and Jessica Savage • New Choice application for Johnathon Cole- Grade 6
Paul Laurence Dunbar Report
Offices of Special Services Report
Approved Monthly Financial Report Superintendent’s Reports Choice Rescind Robert Bell’s request Approve Choice
Deny Choice
Board of Education Minutes 03-19-08 – Page 3 Mr. Harvey reported to the Board a meeting at the Modern Maturity Center with DSBA on the DPAS training Board members will have to take for evaluating the Superintendent. President White asked for a motion to revise Board policy GCDA (new #7003) as a second reading, Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice. President White asked if there was any discussion. Mr. Jestice moved to amend the motion in the second paragraph that currently requires the new Superintendent to reside within the geographical boundaries of the District within six (6) months from his or her contract hiring date to one (1) year. Next, Mr. Hyland addressed President White and stated that he was questioning changing this residency policy in midstream. He stated that all we do for the District is done for our children. We must be fair to our children, our staff, and trust in the selection process we are undertaking. He stated this is about Linda Schenck. We trusted her with the position of Acting Superintendent and she has done a superb job and is dedicated. We should not change this policy for fear of mutiny or personality contest. At this point we have no other applicants, and in my mind she is the leading applicant. Mr. Hyland stated there may be an applicant who may come along that can do a better job, but it is not fair for Mrs. Schenck, whose aspiration is to be our Superintendent, to have to move. Mrs. Hickman reminded everyone that no one has applied because the position cannot be posted or advertised until after this issue is settled. Mrs. Hickman seconded Mr. Jestice’s motion to amend, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the amendment. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice and it was voted by roll call. The roll call decision was three (3) disapproved; Mr. Hyland, Mr. Jestice and Mr. Musser and two (2) approved; Mrs. Hickman and Mr. White. Mrs. Hickman justified her vote because the “public is important to us.” The second reading for revising Board policy GCDA was announced by President White as disapproved. The amendment to change the time frame for moving has been overruled. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the seconded reading of the 2009 FY calendar. Mrs. Schenck introduced the first reading of the Code of Conduct. The committee has worked on the revisions for two years, changing the matrix. Mr. Jestice moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was voted by roll call, with Mr. Jestice, Mr. Hyland, Mrs. Hickman and Mr. White approved and Mr. Musser disapproved to leave the motion on the table to approve recommendation to the Laurel Board of Education to approve the scope of work proposed by Studio JAED for a major capital referendum project as summarized in their written recommendations presented at the Board meeting of February 6, 2008.
Board Member Report
Old Business Disapproved 2nd Reading Residency Policy GCDA
Approved 2009 FY Calendar 1st Reading Code of Conduct Major Capital Referendum “Leave motion on table”
Board of Education Minutes 03-19-08 – Page 4 Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve on October 17, 2007 the Board approved the April 08, 2008 as the referendum date for our proposed major capital referendum project. It is my recommendation to cancel the previously approved date of April 08, 2008. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the following fundraisers: Fundraisers 1. Laurel High School Drama Club, sponsor Brian Cass, request permission to have a Grottos Pizza night, one day in April, selling food at Grottos in Seaford, with Grottos giving 20% of sales during this time. This is to raise money for their Disney trip. 2. Middle School Business Professional of America (BPA), sponsor Trudy Pusey, request permission to hold the following fundraisers to raise money for the National Leadership Conference: School Dance for Middle School on Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the field house, admission $3.00 and $1.00 for snacks and drinks. Sell items from Country Meats Jerky thru April charging $1.00 per stick. Sell Joe Corbi’s pizza items thru April charging $13.00 to $24.00. 3. Intermediate/Middle School Band Boosters, sponsor Jason Rogers, request permission to hold a dance for Middle School students in the field house on Friday, April 18, 2008, admission $ 3.00. Funds used for band equipment and uniforms. 4. Paul Laurence Dunbar PTA request permission to hold the following fundraisers to promote good citizenship. Children’s movie nights on Friday April 04 and Friday, May 02, 2008 in the PLD cafeteria from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. admission $1.00 and a can good. This is to promote good citizenship with the can good drive and fun for parents and students. 5. Softball Boosters, sponsor Russell Elliott & Tammy Oliphant, request permission to have a concession table at home softball games during this season. Items for sale will be beverages at $. 75 and snacks at $.50, to raise money for softball expenses. 6. Delaware Career Association, sponsor Trina Giles, request permission to sell Joe Corbi’s pizza items from March 20 to April 3, 2008, costing from $ 16.50 to $ 21.50, to raise money for field trips and community service projects. Mr. Jestice moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the following rentals: 1. Intermediate/Middle School Band Boosters request to have a dance in the Field House on April 18, 2008 from 2:30-4:30 p.m., admission fee $ 3.00. 2. The Laurel Wrestling Club, sponsor Marvin Tull, request permission to use the Paul Laurence Dunbar gymnasium every Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays from November 3, 2008 to end of April 2009 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for practice. 3. The Laurel Wrestling Club, sponsor Marvin Tull, request permission to have a tournament in the Laurel High School on Friday, January 2 and 3, 2 009. They will set up Friday night and tournament is Saturday 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4. (Retroactive) Basketball, sponsor Jeff Gordy, request permission to use the field house for a basketball game with Varsity team and staff on March 14, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Cancel the Referendum Date
Approved Fundraisers
Approved Rentals
Board of Education Minutes 3-19-08 – Page 5 Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the following student trips: 1. High School Business Professionals of America (BPA), sponsor Laura Sapovits, request permission to attend the National BPA conference in Reno NV from May 7-11, 2008 with 8 students to compete in events and attend workshops. 2. Middle School Business Professionals of America (BPA), sponsor Trudy Pusey, request permission to attend the National BPA conference in Reno NV from May 7-11, 2008 with 10 students to compete in events and attend workshops. 3. The High School Delaware Career Association, sponsor Trina Giles, request permission to attend Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA on Monday, May 26, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for social awareness with students. Chaperones: Clarence Giles, Christina Gallo and Jamie Reynolds 4. The ESL (English as Second Language), sponsor Zully Echeverry, request permission to attend the National Aquarium in Baltimore MD on Friday, April 18, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for students to learn about marine environments. 5. The Sport Stacking Club, sponsor Garrett Lydic, request permission to attend the Sport Stacking World Championships in Denver CO from April 3-7, 2008. Students will compete against the fastest stackers from all over the world. Chaperones: Leslie Lydic, Valerie Eskridge, Alan Ralph and parents Mr. Jestice moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve retroactive, Clarence Giles to attend the National AO Equity Colloquium in New Orleans, LA on March 07, 2008 Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve the Softball Boosters to put a press box on the softball field. Mr. Jestice asked Mrs. Schenck to make sure the structure follows our policies. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Jennifer Rosen’s request for a leave of absence due to medical reasons, effective March 6, 2008 through April 4, 2008 or other mutually agreeable date. Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to rescind the offer of employment to Jeremy Bagwell as a Volunteer Assistant Track Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Jestice moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to rescind the offer of employment to Michelle Flynn as an Assistant Girls Soccer Coach at Laurel Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Hyland moved, seconded Mr. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to accept the resignation of Suellen Savage as a secretary in the Laurel School District, effective April 11, 2008. Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Musser, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Blair Hall as the Assistant Girls Soccer Coach at Laurel Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. Approved Student Trips
Approved Professional Trips
Other: Approved Softball Boosters Press Box Personnel: Jennifer Rosen Leave of Absence Jeremy Bagwell Rescind Coach
Michelle Flynn Rescind Coach
Suellen Savage Resignation Blair Hall –Asst Girls Soccer Coach
Board of Education Minutes 3-19-08 – Page 6 Mr. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Brandon Noelte as the Co-Head Baseball Coach at Laurel Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. Ms. Hyland moved, seconded by Mr. Jestice, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Stuart Richardson as the Co-Head Baseball Coach at Laurel Middle School for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Musser moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Michael Albert as a Volunteer Assistant Track Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Musser stated he did not understand why the approval for coaches was now after the season has begun. Mrs. Hickman moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Ron Scott as a Volunteer Assistant Softball Coach at Laurel Senior High School for the 2007-2008 school year. Mr. Musser moved, seconded by Mr. Hyland, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve Jill Downs’ request for a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Absence, effective March 14, 2008 through April 21, 2008 or other mutually agreeable date. Mrs. Bradley, Intermediate Principal congratulated one of her students, Alyssa Givens for receiving the Carson scholarship for the amount of $ 1000.00 This is the second year in a row for Alyssa’s accomplishments. Mrs. Bradley kissed a Blue Hen chicken for grades 5-6 at an assembly for their accomplishments in reading books. Mr. Musser held the chicken while the kissing was attempted. Pictures were shared with the group. President White asked Board members to meet and finalize the capital referendum. The consensus was to complete the construction referendum on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Also the scheduled May Board meeting has been moved to Monday, May 12, 2008 due to conflict of scheduling. Mr. Musser moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve to move to executive session to discuss personnel at 8:25 p.m. The Board allowed Kelly Thibeau, High School Senior to thank them for the town run that carried walkers to school during inclement weather. Mr. Musser moved, seconded by Mrs. Hickman, and it was unanimously voted, by roll call, to approve adjourning the meeting at 9:39 p.m. Signed: Linda J. Schenck, Executive Secretary SCHOOL BOARD APPROVED APRIL 16, 2008
Brandon NoelteMS co-Head Baseball Coach Stuart Richardson MS co-Head Baseball Coach Michael Albert HS Vol Track Coach
Ron Scott HS Vol SB Coach
Jill Downs Leave of Absence
Public Participation
Future Agenda Items
Executive Session
Adjournment