Board of Education Meeting

1. OUR MISSION:

The mission of the Big Walnut Local Schools is to inspire and guide each student to his or her maximum potential.


2. OUR VISION:

In order to realize our mission, we will strive to achieve and maintain our vision of:

  • Student-focused, professional, collaborative staff
  • Student-focused, challenging and current curriculum
  • Supportive, involved and informed community
  • Safe, respectful and welcoming environment

3. DISTRICT GOALS:
  • Improve academic achievement
  • Improve communication
  • Plan for growth (facility plan)
  • Financial responsibility

4. President
  1. Call to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

5. Roll Call

Minutes

Result: Approved

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

6. Approval of Minutes
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Review and approve the Board meeting minutes of the May 14, 2015 Regular Board meeting.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

7. Recognitions
  • State Science Fair

Minutes

  • Mr. Andy Wecker recognized  students who received an Excellent or Superior rating at State Science Fair.

8. Superintendent Report

8.1 District Goal: Student Academic Achievement

8.2 District Goal: Improve Communication
  • Waiver Days - 9/21, 11/30 (pending ODE approval)

Minutes

  • Mrs. Pollock indicated she will be submitting the two Waiver Days (Teacher Work Days)  to the State in June.

8.3 District Goal: Planning for Growth
  • Enrollment Projections/Development

9. Treasurer's Report

9.1 District Goal: Financial Responsibility

10. Selected Board Policies

11. School Board Members Items of Interest or Discussion

Minutes

  • Mr. Schneider proudly spoke about the Baseball team's run to the state semi-finals. It has been really fun to see how the program engaged the community. Gratefull for community support at that final game and appreciates how our students represented the district.
  • Dr. Fagan indicated it was a fabulous afternoon at the baseball game. It was wonderful to walk into Huntington Park and see the sea of red of Big Walnut. Graduation was celebratory and fantastic. She thanked Mr. Jones and the high school staff for all of the hard work that made graduation look easy and seamless. 
  • Mr. Wecker recognized FFA for the award they won. The project was a debate project on the impact of development on land. They are competing now at the National level it's a great accomplishment for Jeff Stimmel and his students.
  • Mrs. Meyer announced how well students did in track. A freshman student was 8th in the state. She attended a great forum with Angie yesterday, the meeting was for superintendents and board presidents. The grass root of the meeting was the effort for school districts to take back local control. She welcomed Angie at her first official meeting as superintendent. She shared that there will be a fundraiser for Sydney Hatfield on July 12 @ Autumn Lakes campground. Hatfields do so much for our community, it would be great if all could try to attend.

12. Public Participation

This meeting is a meeting of the Board of Education in public for the purpose of conducting the School District's business and is not considered a public community meeting. This is a time for public participation during the meeting as indicated in the agenda. (Please reference criteria for Public Participation attached to the agenda.)

  1. Scheduled
  2. Non-Scheduled

13. Business

13.1 It is recommended the Board approve the Local Government Services contract for preparation of the FY15, FY16 & FY17 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report not to exceed $12,000 each fiscal year.
15-67

Minutes

  • Mr. Wecker recommended for consent agenda on 13.1 and 13.2.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.2 It is recommended the Board approve the annual contract with Professional Speech Services, Inc. for the 2016 Fiscal Year.

13.3 It is recommended the Board approve the Certificate of Maximum Maturity stating the Bond Series 2009, dated April 1, 2009, have a maximum maturity date no later than December 1, 2036.
15-68

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.4 It is recommended the Board approve the following resolution:
15-69

Bond Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds in the Amount of not to Exceed $4,960,000 for the Purpose of Advance Refunding a Portion of Bonds Issued April 1, 2009 for the Purpose of Constructing School Facilities; Renovating, Improving and Constructing Additions to School Facilities; Furnishing and Equipping the Same; Improving the Sites Thereof; and Acquiring Land and Interest in Land as Necessary in Connection Therewith; and Authorizing and Approving Related Matters.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.5 It is recommended the Board approve the 2016 Tax Budget for the Community Library.
15-70

Minutes

  • Chauncy Montgomery shared that this is standard practice because the district is the taxing authority for the  library. He shared that the the budget reflects the changes taking place in the library. The capital budget reflects the building changes that will be taking place, adding on to building and will have a drive through pick up window.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.6 It is recommended the Board approve the bid from Cardinal Bus Sales for three (3) 72-passenger Type C school buses, $88,233.00 each.
15-71

Minutes

  • Mr. Wecker recommended to consent on 13.6 - 13.8.
  • Dr. Fagan informed the board that 13.8 could not be included in consent.
  • Mr. Wecker recommended to consent on 13.6 & 13.7.

 

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.7 It is recommended the Board approve the amended and restated Sports Medicine Athletic Training Services Agreement with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Minutes

  • Mrs. Pollock shared that the agreement is a 3 year extension - cost is the same $10,000 paid out of athletic fund and we will have an additional trainer. She thanked Brian Shelton for his work on extension.
  • vote on 13.6

13.8 It is recommended the Board approve the following Big Walnut Local School fees for the 2014/2015 school year:
15-72
  • Crazy for Clay Eagle Extensions $50
  • X-treme Laboratory Eagle Extensions $40
  • Technology Experience Eagle Extensions $40
  • Art to Zoo Eagle Extensions $30

Minutes

  • Mrs. Pollock appreciates our staff members that were willing to put these opportunities together for our students and Jen Young for pulling this together. The district intends to offer more in the future.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.9 It is recommended the Board approve the following handbooks for the 2015/2016 school year:
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  • Preschool - 6th grade
  • Middle School
  • High School
  • Athletic 

 

Minutes

  • Mrs. Pollock indicated this is an annual approval of the handbooks.  We are working on formatting issues but asking to the Board to approve the content. 

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.10 It is recommended the Board approve the Administrative Assistant job description.
15-75

Minutes

  • Mr. Wecker recommended to consent 13.10-13.18.
  • Dr. Fagan indicated the board can not consent 13.18.
  • Mr. Wecker recommended to consent 13.10 - 13.17.
  • Mrs. Pollock shared that after discussion with Ms. Day, it was determined that due to growth in district and changes need for this job description- general admin asst II job description so it can be used for more than one situation - restructuring in Transportation - department of administrative services this will allow more flexibility - in our building support technology, sub on vacations, reception.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

Seconded: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.11 It is recommended the Board approve a $500.00 stipend for Darin Prince, Mohican Coordinator, for the 2014/2015 school year.

Minutes

  • consent vote 13.10

13.12 It is recommended the Board rescind the following portion of motion 15-61:

It is recommended the Board approve a one-year contract for the following certified staff, effective the 2015/2016 school year:

  • Megan Williamson, 2nd Grade Teacher, Hylen Souders Elementary School, BA 15 step 5

Minutes

  • consent vote 13.10

13.13 It is recommended the Board accept the following resignations:
  • Jeff Jones, Big Walnut High School, Principal, effective July 31, 2015
  • Bridgette Firstenberger, Big Walnut High School, Assistant Principal, effective July 31, 2015
  • Michael DeLaney, Big Walnut High School, Social Studies Teacher, effective July 31, 2015

Minutes

  • Dr. Allison Fagan expressed her gratitude to Mr. Jones and Mrs. Firstenbergher for their services at the HS.
  • consent vote 13.10

13.14 It is recommended the Board approve a one-year contract for the following certified staff for the 2015/2016 school year:
  • Brett Bartlett,  Big Walnut Middle School, Math Teacher, BA step 5
  • Tara Lax, General Rosecrans Elementary, Interventional Specialist, BA step 3 (pending Ohio license approval)
  • Amity Roebke, Big Walnut Intermediate School, Intervention Specialist, BA step 4 
  • Ryan Balaz, Big Walnut Middle School, Language Arts Teacher, BA 30 step 0
  • Wendy Austin, Big Walnut Intermediate School, 6th Grade Math/Science Teacher, MA step 5
  • Rachel Middleman, Big Walnut Intermediate School, 6th Grade Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher, Masters step 0
  • Leah DiSabato, Harrison Street Elementary School, Kindergarten Teacher, MA step 5
  • Megan Gibson, Big Walnut High School, Comprehensive Science Teacher, BA 30 step 1
  • Lindsey Simmons, Hylen Souders Elementary School, 2nd Grade Teacher, MA 30 step 10
  • Stacye-Nicole Hamby, Big Walnut Middle School, Intervention Specialist, MA step 5
  • Kelly Rowe, Kindergarten, Hylen Souders Elementary School, BA step 0

Minutes

  • Mr. Cooper shared the district is trying to do what is best for our students by reducing class sizes - some hires are replacing departing teachers and some are for reduction in class sizes.
  • consent 13.10

13.15 It is recommended the Board approve an athletic supplemental contract for Brett Bartlett, Head Boys Basketball Coach, group 1, step 3, effective the 2015/2016 school year.
M

Minutes

  • consent 13.10

13.16 It is recommended the Board approve the following certified contracts:

One-Year                                      
Christy Bryant                               
Ric Cavicchia                               
Travis Church                               
Andrea Clark                               
Kristina Collins                             
Douglas Eckelbarger               
Megan Everitt                               
Julia Ford                                                                                       
Katie Grijak
Stacey Hamilton
Beth Heizer
Awny Hemingway
Andrea Kavalieros
Angela Keller
Lauren Marter
Sarah Nealon
Cassandra Nigl
Stefanie Plowman
Darin Prince
Milea Sarap
Shea Spak
Benjamin Steele
Jennifer Valentik
Jenn Waszil
Elizabeth Yousey
Karlie Zak
Kelsie Zak

Two-Year
Jenny Ainsworth
Patricia Cooper
Joseph Evener
Lindsey Gunthorp
Jennilynn Haer
Amy Keep
Stephanie Pearlmutter
Rebecca Sliva
Charlie Smith
Jennifer Zimmer

Three-Year
Michael Adams
Mandy Bailey
Cynthia Barno
Karen Bodker
Ben Broschart
Savannah Brown
Carol Burchett
Sarah Cline
Barbara Dean
Ashley Dicken
Christine Doran
Rachel Estep
Laurel Fitch
Molly Fortune
Alan Frank
Katherine Graven
Melissa Hay
Julie Heitz
Zachary Hite
Carrie Knight
Penny Lacy
Ashley Longshore
Kevin Masterson
Brittany Moser
Eric Myers
Leah Peck
Amanda Reynolds
Kori Rigo
Jamie Roan
Charlie Rowley
Coreen Schull
Kari Thomas
Julie Tuel
Mary Wolf
Beth Zirillo

Continuing
Mark Adams
Elaine Blakley
Heidi Bridge
Erin Curtis
Melanie Gathers
Douglas Germann
Jody Grieger
Susan Missman
Mary Mitton
Kelly Pentello
Brenda Schroeder

Minutes

  • consent 13.10

13.17 It is recommended the Board approve the following Extended Service contracts for the 2015/2016 school year:

Jeanne Collett, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut High School, 20 days
Stephanie Ruark, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut High School, 20 days
Tammi Jordan, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut High School, 20 days
Erin Curtis, Student Services Coordinator, 20 days
Ric Cavicchia, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut Middle School, 10 days
Kristen Macklin Lanning, Media Specialist, Big Walnut High School, 10 days
Molly Fortune, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut Intermediate School, 10 days
Corry Schull, Guidance Counselor, Big Walnut Middle School, 10 days


13.18 It is recommended the Board approve the following extended field trips:
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  • Ag Science Students, National FFA Convention, Louisville, KY, October 27-31, 2015
  • Two Yearbook Students, Yearbook Camp, Heidelberg University, July 28-30, 2015
  • Varsity Volleyball Team, Camp, Nuhop, Ohio, August 22-23, 2015
  • Varsity Football Team, Camp, Ashland, Ohio, June 22 - 23, 2015
  • Girls Basketball Team, Camp, Findlay, Ohio, June 17-18, 2015
  • Girls Basketball Team, Camp, Wooster, Ohio, June 19-20, 2015
  • Six Cheerleaders, Cheer Hawaii, June 24 - July 1, 2015

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

13.19 It is recommended the Board accept the following donations:
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  • $1,000 donated to Big Walnut High School Challenge Day, donated by the Sunbury Lions Club (BWHS Challenge Day Fund # 200-9271)
  • $156 donated to Big Walnut Elementary, donated by Kathy Huff (BWE Principal Fund Fund #018-9005)
  • $3,600 donated to Big Walnut Local School District, donated by Steve Mazzi ($1,000 BWHS Athletics 300-9500, $400 BWHS Band 300-9440, $400 BWHS Music 300-9470, $800 BWMS Athletic 300-9502, $300 BWMS Band 300-9442, $300 BWMS Music 300-9472, $400 Action for Healthy Kids 019-9214)

Minutes

  • Mrs. Meyer commented that she noticed that the donation from Mr. Mazzi trumps the donation made by a local developer.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice President

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

14. Scheduling of Next Board Meeting

Special Board Meeting:
                                         June 30, 2015
                                         7:30 A.M.
                                         Big Walnut Intermediate School, Central Office Conference Room

Regular Board Meeting:  
                                         July 9, 2015
                                         6:30 P.M.
                                         Big Walnut High School, Media Center

Special Board Work Session:
                                         July 27, 2015
                                         4:00 P.M.
                                         Big Walnut Intermediate School, Conference Room                                         

 


15. Executive Session
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It is recommended the Board enter Executive Session to consider the employment of a public employee, to consider the purchase of property for public purposes and to discuss confidential information related to negotiations with other political subdivisions.

Minutes

  • Entered Executive Session at 7:42 p.m.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX  

16. Adjourn
15-78

It is recommended the Board exit Executive Session and the meeting adjourns.

Minutes

  • Exit Executive Session at 8:39 p.m.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Nicci Hess, Board Member   
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mr. Andy Wecker, Board Vice PresidentX