LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS

MONDAY,  JANUARY 21, 2008

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

BOARD OF EDUCATION OFFICE 9190 CO. RD. 9, FINDLAY OHIO  7:00 P.M.

STRATEGIC PLANNING WORK SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

 

I.                    Call to Order

Pledge of Allegiance ……………………………………………Anita Schoonover, Board President

II.                 Recognition of Visitors

III.               Approval of minutes from the Monday, December 17, 2007 regular and special board of education meetings and the January 14, 2008 organizational meeting.

IV.              Communications and Discussion

NEOLA – Third Reading, proposed policies

V.                 Principals’ Reports

Brian Burkett, Bruce Otley, Brenda Frankart

VI.              Treasurer’s Report ………………………………………………………………Lisa Dobbins

VII.            Superintendent’s Report ……………………………………………………….Dennis Recker

VIII.         New Business

A.     Approve Consent Agenda, to include:

1.      Listing of bills, expenditures, and investments through 12/31/07, and monthly financial report of the Treasurer.

2.      Approve “Then and Now” purchase order #704269 for $5775.02 to Jostens for HS yearbook

3.      Approve obsolete/disposed of listing of items

4.      Approve the purchase of the following insurance policy from Indiana Insurance for the period of 2/1/08 to 2/1/09:  Property $18,813, Auto $15,051, Liability $9,995, Inland Marine $5848, Umbrella $3262, Crime $643

5.      Approve advance of $80,000 from the General Fund to the Emergency Fund

6.      Approve the following resignations:

Zach Thomas, Musical Conductor

Zach Thomas, Co-Vocal Director

7.      Approve the following classified staff:

Kyra Oaks, Substitute Aide

Vera Christensen, Substitute Aide

Janet Naliborski, Substitute Aide

8.      Approve the following increases to certified staff:

Sarah Santilli, Vocal Musical Director, from Co-Director to Full Director

Dawn Blankenship, Step Increase from 4M to 4M+15

Ann Thieman, Long term substitute for Lisa Ruggiero

9.      Approve the following extra-curricular staff:

David Crawford, Head MS Boys Track Coach

Dawn Blankenship, Head MS Girls Track Coach

Christy Cramner, 17% District Accompanist

Jade Kuhn, 17% District Accompanist

Joyce Jackson, 17% District Accompanist

Jade Kuhn, Musical Conductor

B.     Approve the 2008-09 Liberty-Benton school calendar

C.     Approve Northwest Ohio Area Computer Services Cooperative Service Provider contract for Internet Service July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009

D.     Approve the following NEOLA policies:

1240.01                      Non-Reemployment of the Superintendent

1340                                Non-Reemployment of the Treasurer

Delete 1340.01            Non-Reemployment of the Treasurer

1541                                Termination and Resignation

2623                                Student Assessment and Academic Intervention Services

3120.08                      Employment of Personnel for Co-Curricular/Extra….

3121                Criminal History Record Check

                        3139                Staff Discipline

                        3140                Termination and Resignation

                        3142                Non-Renewal of a Teacher Contract

                        3215                Use of Tobacco by Professional Staff

                        4121                Criminal History Record Check

                        4139                Staff Discipline

                        4140                Termination and Resignation

                        4215                Use of Tobacco by Classified Staff

                        6152                Student Fees, Fines, and Charges

                        6320                Purchases

                        7434                Use of Tobacco on School Premises

                        8141                Mandatory Reporting of Misconduct by Licensed Employees

                        8600                Transportation

                        8600.04                       Bus Driver Certification

                        9800                High School Diplomas to World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Conflict 

Veterans

      IX.        Other Business

X.                 Executive Session

XI.              Adjournment

LIBERTY-BENTON LOCAL SCHOOLS

JANUARY 2008 DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT

DENNIS L. RECKER, SUPERINTENDENT

 

  1. From September 4 to December 3, our professional staff had 314 absences.  131 of those days were used for professional training, as compared to 145 days used for illness.    The remaining 38 were “personal”.  Val shared this with me, and she thought it was a good way to see how our staff use their days for professional growth.  (Item A)
  2. Enclosed is a letter assigning our construction manager I received from Ohio School Facilities Commission.  (Item B)
  3. There is an initiative to create a dual enrollment program in Hancock County through the Regional School Improvement Team.  We’ve been “invited” to participate.  Interestingly, we did this specific program 5 years ago and dropped it until the universities in question could guarantee credit transfer to different universities.
  4. Enclosed is a letter for your review.  (Item C)  You might refer to policy 7250, “Commemoration of School Facilities” in Neola.  http://www.neola.com/libertyben-oh
  5. This past October, Liberty-Benton was asked to be a member of the Ohio ACT Council, which provides ideas to prepare students for learning and work.  We were asked to be a member due to our initiative of developing high quality dual enrollment opportunities for our children.  In addition the Ohio representative of this organization, an assistant VP at The Ohio State University was working with me, as we sought to create this opportunity with OSU.  We were also part of an Ohio Board of Regents meeting last spring, and it appears L-B is given due consideration for our ideas.  As part of working with value-added learning, Mr. Gerken was asked to serve on the state council.  We have a state meeting at month’s end.  On January 17, I discussed dual enrollment possibilities with Dr. Zelman, State Superintendent.
  6. Working with The Buehrer Group, I’ve scheduled a community meeting on January 14, which will be led by The Buehrer Group to gain input from interested community members regarding the OSFC project.  This will follow the board of education’s organizational meeting.  Hopefully we’ll have a nice turn-out of people to further educate those interested in the process.  I’m hearing lots of “chatter” throughout the community.
  7. I’m seeking a state review of credentials on select staff to elevate their level of licensure, due to what I believe, is their superior performance, based upon Mr. Gerken and Mrs. Frankart’s observations and evaluations.
  8. As we move through the strategic planning process, I’m looking at creating a communicative device that will speak to the community in terms of results based upon our strategic imperatives.
  9. We received our first health inspection based upon the requirements of Jarod’s Law.  The inspection results and recommendations are in the hands of Mr. Frommer, Mr. Schimmoeller, and the building principals.  We will address this immediately.
  10. Enclosed is a contract analysis of our negotiated agreement with OAPSE which was done by Lisa Burleson, our attorney we use for contract negotiations and labor law.  With her experience for Ohio School Boards Association and Means, Bichimier, and Baker, we’re lucky to have someone so well versed in not just the process of negotiations, but to provide sound advice regarding some personnel issues that arise from time to time.  This is supposed to be confidential.  (Item D)
  11. With the policy we just approved regarding bullying, we now have to conduct training for staff.  We will be doing this on a county-wide basis since all schools are affected.  The ESC is putting this program together for us.
  12. The law on reporting of professional misconduct is really beginning to resonate, and the huge responsibility of the superintendent to report these incidents.  We (superintendents) are actually discussing if this requirement of reporting misconduct now filters over to anyone involved in the educational process.  Note the response in the accompanying news article from the Columbus Dispatch.  The reporting burden falls on the superintendent with severe consequences for failure to report.  (Item E)
  1. Here is an article from the Lima News (January 5) where we’re given “third billing” (we’re not considered part of the Lima News coverage area).  One thing we should highlight is that we have built and are improving our infra-structure utilizing data at the building level and at the district level.  Over the next year, I think folks will be astounded as to where this will take us as a district and how meaningful it will become for parents of our students.  (Item F)
  2. We must be aware of how our vocational education students will be impacted by No Child Left Behind and the academic requirements that will be used to determine a successful school experience. Attached is a DRAFT copy of (CTE Accountability-Secondary Workforce Development 10-18-07) of expected
    performance levels. As you can see, a minimum requirement for Tech Prep which will reflect "high end" skills is a 2.5 GPA for admission and a 2.75 GPA in a tech skill area to be considered for admission as a college bound career tech ed student. The bar is really being raised for these students (Office of C-T and Adult Education Goals for FY2007).  (Item G)
  3. I’ve asked the LBTA to review the proposed 2008-09 school calendar to provide their input, so we can finalize for board approval.  They let us know what additional day is to be added to complete the 184 day contract year, and the one additional 2 hour delay day for the purposes of teacher collaboration.

    Since all administrators are on duty, we felt it appropriate to have the staff determine the best day for the additional contract day.  Enclosed is a copy of the final draft of the 2008-09 school calendar to be recommended for approval a tour regular January Board of Education meeting.  (Item H)

  4. With the new “Jarod’s Law”, I’m enclosing a copy of a letter from the Health Department, as well as copies of the inspection report.  (Item I)
  5. Relating to my item #14, I’ll be involved in an all day meeting on January 25th (Strategic Planning) for Millstream Career and Technology Center.  We’ll be “creating” the next phase of what Millstream will provide our children the next five years.  It is quite an honor to be asked to serve this group.
  6. If you note the special message from our state superintendent, I asterisked a couple of points that L-B took the initiative on.  (Item J)
  7. You have 16 proposals for consideration for our upcoming OAPSE negotiations that were scheduled at the end of the month.  Please review these confidential proposals.  They are explained in my earlier mailing (Item D).  Our attorney has been placed on restricted travel, and we will be moving our contract negotiations with OAPSE to spring.
  8. As a part of our Bureau of Workers Compensation training, I attended a session on “Workplace Violence”.  The topic was enlightening and relevant in that it addressed confidentiality, anti-discrimination/no retaliation provision, investigating complaints ranging from intimidation, harassment, sexual, and physical violence, plus how to analyze information maintaining an objective review and employee confidentiality.  Incidents need to be investigated, tracked, and documented.  At times, third party investigators are the best source for this.

    We were provided guidance in defining the events.  Harassment is to annoy or torment repeatedly and persistently.  Intimidation is a statement (verbal or non-verbal) of a condition that must be met in order to avert harm to the person being “picked on” or harassed.  Threats may be direct or indirect, verbal or non-verbal.  Violence is direct physical force.  These behaviors tend to persist and escalate.

    Early indications of workplace “uneasiness” include persons having a distorted perception of being picked on, holding grudges, non-violent criminal behavior, and even belligerence.

    The indices of a serious event include substance abuse, pre-occupation with violence, threatening or intimidating behaviors (same as early warning signs) in the form of e-mails, verbal abuse, statement, or pictures.  The person may exhibit anger or hostility, be persistent in a mannerism or accusation, and show intolerance for differences, plus have prejudicial attitude.

    No business or workplace is immune from this, but awareness and assisting those at early stages may prevent escalation of aberrant behaviors.

    I was able to get the name and address of a firm that conducts these types of investigations, if deemed warranted by administration.  Again, the responsibility for providing this rests with the superintendent or in business, the CEO.  I learned a lot, and can honestly state that no business is immune to this, including a school district.

  9. Looking ahead, as you seek a new superintendent for the 2009-10 school year, openings are appearing already throughout Ohio.  The “market” is thin on candidates and our base salary for a first year superintendent with no superintendent experience will be, based on our schedule, $83,788 for 2008-09, and $85,463 for 2009-10.  For 2007-08, the L-B base salary (0 years superintendent experience) is $82,145.  As a FYI, Vanlue salary at 0 is $75,000.  The next lowest salary for 2007-08 was $85,000 for a first year superintendent with no superintendent experience at Arlington.  As of now, our salary structure is two years behind the other schools in the county.  As of January 17, 23 openings exist, with another 100 expected openings yet to come this year.
  10. In the Ohio School Board Journal, Liberty-Benton was highlighted in a nice photo and caption.  I’m already looking at a proposal for presentation next year on the topic of value added using L-B metrics, and our method of measuring student growth and presenting a model to the audience that we will hopefully be ready to produce for our parents.  We’ll be working with our ITC to create this over the next six to nine months.  We’re meeting January 23 to discuss potential format.
  11. Enclosed is a composite of 92 evaluations of our presentation at the OSBA Conference.  I wonder how you get 92 evaluations from 85 attendees?  We distributed 125 copies of materials.  This type of response parallels the presentation at Honda.
  12. A kind note from Mr. and Mrs. Hayes thanking everyone for having been able to be a part of our school program.  (Item K)
  13. Please take time to review the 0100 section of the Liberty-Benton policy manual.  As we begin a new year, and with a number of initiatives on the horizon, it is good to review our responsibilities in the roles that we serve.  http://www.neola.com/libertyben-oh
  14. I followed up on the “one third” rule now in place regarding school construction.  We can NOT eliminate the sprinkler system which is required at the high school.
  15. I spent some time with Kent Hilty, past board member, and “picked his brain” about the property we purchased referenced in item number four.  Feel free to contact him and he can provide some insight from a board perspective back in the year 2000.  These are some inaccuracies he can clear up if needed.
  16. In my conversations with BASA leadership this week, I was heartened to hear that L-B is considered a “lighthouse district”, not just in Northwest Ohio, but throughout the state.  Dr. Zelman of ODE also is interested in our value-added reporting model we are trying to get up and running over this next year.
  17. The topic of school district personnel and impropriety is taking a life of its own, and the responsibility now placed on superintendents to report is overwhelming.  This has now branched out to cover all those who are a part of a school system (originally it was certified staff only).  While this is still supposedly “a work in progress”, it becomes progressively more scrutinizing, up to and including for example, passing a bad check or having possession of an unauthorized cable television device.  The real “clincher” of all of this is if the superintendent knows this has occurred, there is an obligation to report.  The consequences of not reporting, is loss of superintendent’s license.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Liberty-Benton Board of Education

January 21, 2008

 

1.   As of today, we have the following number of students in our elementary program:

                                                                                                   Dec. 2007

Pre-school        -    23  (1 section – ½ a.m. & ½ p.m.)             (  23)

Kindergarten    -    69 (4 sections – avg. class 18.5)                 (  71)

First Grade       -    95 (5 sections – avg. class 18.8)                 (  94)                 

Second Grade  -    77 (4 sections – avg. class 18.8)                 (  75)

Third Grade     -    94 (4 sections – avg. class 22.8)                 (  92)   

Fourth Grade   -  105 (5 sections – avg. class 20.8)                 (105)               

Fifth Grade      -    88 (4 sections – avg. class 22.3)                 (  87)   

TOTAL (K-5):      528  School Average:  20.3                         (524)               

                                     (551 with pre-school)                                         Average (20.2)

 

  1. As I shared back in December, the students in the elementary building participated in a service project per grade level in lieu of gift exchanges.  In a summary, here is what each grade level was able to do:

 

Kindergarten collected cash to purchase approximately $120 in gift cards to Kohl’s, Speedway, and Family Video for an adopted L-B family.  Additionally, a little over $300 in other gift cards (Walmart, Meijer, and Menards) was collected as well.  Students also sent in around twenty other items to send to the family that centered around art/drawing supplies and Ohio State items.

First Grade collected around $10 in cash and six boxes of items to be gift wrapped for children at Open Arms Domestic Violence Shelter.

Second Grade teamed up with Mother Hubbard’s Learning Cupboard to furnish a Children’s area at Hope House with educational toys and books.  Additionally, some second grade classes  traveled to Hope House with Ms. Ruggiero, our art teacher, and created artwork for the walls in this area.  Students used their painted handprints to make the leaves for a tree as a part of this artwork.

Third Grade donated approximately $135, postage stamps, socks, gloves, hats, mittens, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towel, and toilet paper to the City Mission this year.

Fourth Grade collected and donated approximately $650 to Open Arms Domestic Violence Services.

Fifth Grade collected and donated approximately $40, as well as many items like soap, paper towels, tissues, paper plates, canned goods, etc., to Hope House.

           

All of the agencies were very appreciative of these acts of kindness, generosity, and love from our students this year as expressed by several kind letters.  We are proud of our students’, teachers’, and parents’ generosity and what we as a school were able to do to help our community during this

special time of the year.

 

  1. In our January staff meeting, we discussed the need and challenge of seeking new facilities for our building and the importance of every step of the process.  I’ve asked my staff to work in grade levels and department teams to complete a Facilities Planning Needs Sheet that can be forwarded to the architects working with us for the design phase of our facilities.  We believe this will help greatly in providing staff an opportunity to give their input on our “needs” as we move forward.  It will also help guarantee we secure as many people’s thoughts and ideas regarding our needs as we move forward in this process.

 

  1. The elementary building participated in the National Exchange Club’s, “Stand Up and Say the Pledge Day!” on Friday, January 11th at 2:00 p.m.  We joined students and schools across the country observing this patriotic act and we also declared this day as “Be Patriotic Day!” with students and staff wearing red, white, and blue for the day.  
  2. The Elementary held its 5th Grade Spelling Bee this past week and the finalist representing our school at the County-wide Spelling Bee on Feb. 14th at 7:00 p.m. will be Olivia Newman.  Our runner-up was Sandy Hammond.  Congratulations to both of these two students and their outstanding accomplishment!  We wish Olivia good luck in this next competition, as the top spellers from this event move on to the Blade Championship Bee on March 13th at 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Performing Arts at Owens Community College in Toledo.

 

  1. Our 4th Grade Spanish Clubs are getting ready to begin – one session beginning Tuesday, Jan. 22nd and the other beginning Monday, March 31st.  We have 15-16 students participating in each session, with Mrs. Murray and Mrs. Spiegel each conducting one of the sessions.  Each session is a six week program in which students will have an opportunity to learn more about the language through fun activities involving songs, games, etc.  I know the students are always very excited about this opportunity and we appreciate our high school Spanish teachers for leading this program!

 

  1. Upcoming Elementary Events:

            Jan. 22             PTO Meeting 7:00 p.m.

            Jan. 24             Market Day Pick-up

            Jan. 28             Elementary Progress Reports go home

            Jan. 29             Family Movie Night 7:00 p.m.

            Feb. 4              L-B Night at Stevi B’s

            Feb. 7              Scheduled 2-hour Delay

            Feb. 8              Kids on the Block Assembly for 3rd Grade

                                    Deadline for March Eagle Update

            Feb. 12                        Lego Engineering On-site Fieldtrip for 5th Grade

            Feb. 14                        County-wide Spelling Bee @ Central Middle School 7:00 p.m.


MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Liberty-Benton Board of Education

January 21, 2008

7:00 p.m.

 

1.  Half Length Practice Tests Given:  Prior to Winter Break, all students were given a half-length Ohio Achievement Practice Test for the subjects they will be tested on this spring.  Teachers are having conversations based on these results with their students and are using this feedback to help plan and prepare for the second semester.

 

2.  Fourth Annual Greek Olympiad (Toga! Toga!):  Thursday, January 10, 2008, marked another successful Greek Olympiad.  Our seventh grade team once again did an excellent job of collaborating this cross curricular event.  Students in the entire grade were divided into city states and created a banner, torch, and wreath to represent their city state.  The entire grade marched to the band room around lunch time and gathered for speeches and a feast.  All of the students and teachers wore togas and I enjoyed the day playing the part of Zeus, king of the Gods.  The afternoon was spent competing in different games such as a discus throw (paper plates), archery (rubber band shoot), broad jump, marble grab, and others.  The students demonstrated measuring and data collections skills as statistics were kept for each competitor in each event.  Winners and medals were announced in our closing ceremony, held in the gym.  I was very impressed with the quality of work done by all of the city states this year!  

 

3.  Middle School Spelling Bee, January 15, 2008:    The students listed below qualified to compete at the building level for our spelling bee.  Our middle school finalist, Cory Morgan, will compete at Central Middle School on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  The winner of this bee will move on to the Blade Championship bee on March 13, 2008 at the Center for Performing Arts at Owens Community College in Toledo at 6:30 p.m. for the chance to compete nationally in Washington D.C. in May.  Congratulations and good luck to the following spelling bee competitors!

 

1.  Allison MacMann, Grade 8  

2.  Cory Morgan, Grade 8

3.  Grant Moses, Grade 8

4.  Kaleb Berger, Grae 8

5.  Lynna Durain, Grade 8

6.  Raphael Miseal, Grade 7

7.  Megan Dailey, Grade 6

8.  Kimberly Young, Grade 6

9.  Brian Miller, Grade 6

10.  Ricky Siferd, Grade 6

11.  Megan Peplinski, Grade 6

 

Champion: Cory Morgan

 

4.  Students of the Quarter Selected:  The following students were selected by their teachers as Students of the Quarter for the second nine weeks.  These students will have their photos professionally taken at Baker Photography and will be treated to an ice-cream treat at Dietsch’s on Wednesday, January 23, 2008.  Congratulations students!

 

Quarter 2

6. John Darnall

7. Sydney Stuck

8. Alyssa Gary

 

5. Current Enrollment:

 

Grade                                Total

    06                                   107

    07                                     109

    08                                    89

 

Total Students:              305                   

*Net gain of 2 students since December

 

6.  Winter Sports Awards Assembly:  The winter sports awards assembly has been set for Monday, February 25, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.  We will celebrate the accomplishments of our boys and girls basketball athletes and cheerleaders at this time.

 

7.  February 21, 2008 Scoliosis Screening for 6th and 7th grade:  Our School Nurse, Mrs. Karen Boner, will be here on this day to screen our 6th and 7th graders in the locker rooms.   

 

8.  Bulling/Harassment Policy Revisited with Students:  Mrs. Pickett and I met with all three grades on Monday, January 14, 2008 to proactively revisit the topic of bullying and harassment with our students in light of the newly revised policy adopted by the Board of Education in December.  Specifically, we discussed the following:

During the discussion, we emphasized maintaining our positive school culture by doing what is right and by not tolerating those that would bully or harass others.  We left time for a question and answer session and expanded this to include every day scenarios that students would understand. 

 

Upcoming Dates

 

February 1            Deadline for talent show registration

February 7            2 hour collaboration day—2 hour delay schedule

February 22          Interim reports sent home

February 25          Winter Sports Awards Program 6:30 p.m.

March 18              2 hour collaboration day—2 hour delay schedule

March 20              End of the third quarter

March 21              Spring Break Begins

March 31              School resumes


HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Liberty-Benton Board of Education Meeting

January 21, 2008

7:00 P.M.

 

1.)    High School Second Quarter Attendance -  Our high school attendance rate for the second nine weeks was 96.46%.  This is right on track with our usual rate of attendance.

2.)    Scheduling For Next Year’s Classes -  Our scheduling for next year’s classes will begin in February.  Students will be bringing their forms home for parents’ signatures and approval.

3.)    Bullying Law Requirements -  As part of the new state requirements for reporting bullying offenses, we have two students who could be considered as having bullying offenses occur at the high school during the first semester.  One of the individuals was removed from the building to participate in a separate educational program, and the second one has shown improvement without any recent reoccurrences.

4.)    Round One Observations & Evaluations -  Mr. Gerken and I completed all required teacher observations on time, and I successfully completed all of the required teacher evaluations during Round One.  Round Two will begin on February 10th and run through April 1st.  I greatly appreciate Mr. Gerken’s assistance with this whole process.  Our teachers are an impressive bunch of professionals, and I know that both Mr. Gerken and I enjoy the opportunity to observe them in action. 

5.)    Thank you to Coach Jim Hayes and Coach Annie Hayes -  I would especially like to thank Jim and Annie Hayes for helping to coach our soccer teams the past several years.  They have resigned these positions for next year to pursue their other interests, but they provided valuable service to our boys’ and girls’ soccer programs since their inception.  They were instrumental in helping to get both programs up and running, and I extend my sincere thanks to them both for all they did for L-B soccer!  Best wishes to them in their future endeavors.

6.)    OGT October Results -  In addition to our senior OGT results I already reported from the October testing, we received a good report of results from our juniors as well.  Out of our remaining juniors who were tested in October:

·         8 more students have now successfully passed all requirements.

·         Only 14 juniors still need to pass some of their OGT’s.

·         Of these 14 juniors, 5 of them did successfully pass a total of seven sections in October.  We like to see them making progress.

·         6 of these juniors are on IEP’s, and may be exempted in some areas, if necessary in the future.

·         Our 14 juniors have a total of 35 sections remaining.  Seven sections missed passing by 10 or fewer points this time.  Most of their scores are very high and close to passing, and 5 students are down to their last section needing to pass.

7.)    Upcoming Events:

January 25                   HS Chicken BBQ

January 31                   Academic Boosters Meeting, 6:30

February 13                 County Quiz Bowl Tournament @ LBHS, 4:00-7:00

February 15 & 16        Musical, “Grease,” 7:30

February 17                 Musical, “Grease,” 2:00