Board of Education Meeting

1. MISSION
Mr. Andy Wecker

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


2. VISION
Mr. Andy Wecker

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
  • Financial responsibility

3. President
Mr. Andy Wecker
  1. Call to Order
  2. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Call to Order
Mr. Andy Wecker

Minutes

Result: Approved

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

5. District Goals
Mr. Andy Wecker
  • Improve academic achievement
  • Improve communication
  • Plan for growth (facility plan)
  • Financial responsibility

6. 18-14 Minutes
Mr. Andy Wecker

It is recommended the Board review and approve the minutes of the December 14 and December 21, 2017, Regular Board meetings.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board Member  X

7. Recognitions

7.1 .
  • Andy Cornejo, Hylen Souders Elementary Student of the Month - Dr. Fagan
  • Alexa Morris, Big Walnut Elementary Student of the Month - Mr. Schneider
  • KC Ciallella, Big Walnut High School Student of the Month - Mrs. Meyer
  • Lindsay Hill, Big Walnut High School Art Student of the Month - Mrs. Meyer
  • Christopher Zaragoza, Big Walnut High School Art Student of the Month - Mrs. Meyer
  • Marin Johnston, Big Walnut Elementary Art Student of the Month - Mr. Schneider
  • Remy Largent, Big Walnut Hylen Souders Elementary Art Student of the Month - Dr. Fagan
  • Athletic Recognitions - Mr. Wecker & Mr. Crowl
  • OSBA School Board Recognition - Mrs. Pollock

Minutes

  • Mr. Wecker also recognized all the art students that were present tonight that attended the art open house at central office.

8. Superintendent's Report
Ms. Angie Pollock

8.1 District Goals: Student Academic Achievement
  • Academic Update - Mrs. Jen Young

Minutes

  • Mrs. Jen Young shared about the Areas of Study that the District is looking to better prepare our students for what their interests are prior to heading into college.  Statistics show  80% of students change their major. An average college student changes their major 3.4 times during their college career. It also shows that 30% of our workforce will change jobs every 12 months. We are trying to look at ways to address these statistics for our students. We are trying to expose students to more job opportunities that maybe they have not been exposed to by trying to find out their interests.  Many districts that are building new buildings are designing them to look more like an academy. Students would choose their career path at the freshman or sophomore level and not only would their electives be geared toward that but so would their core classes. Many schools focus with k-8 to prepare students to make that decision when they enter high school. We will be getting a lot of feedback from students and community members on what this might look like for BW if we would decide to venture in this direction in the next three years or so.
  • Mr. Wecker asked what it would look like if he was on one of the areas of study but wanted to take a DACC class. Would the student become a DACC student or take the classes on our campus? Mrs. Young shared that the form shows what classes are offered at BW vs. what is offered at the DACC. If you choose the classes that are offered at the DACC that does not mean you have to attend a full day - it depends on the program.
  • Mrs. Meyer wanted to know if some of the academies that have been visited have any statistics of students that were in this model had less turnover in college. Mrs. Young stated that the main district that was visited and we obtained a great deal of information from was Reynoldsburg. They stated that this is one area they need to work on, it is extremely difficult to gain information and track those statistics but they are focusing on trying to do so.
  • Dr. Fagan expressed some concern regarding those students who may be undecided and to challenge the administration to allow students to explore. Mrs. Young used Reynoldsburg again as an example they started with one trailer program and it has grown into four academies. Students can explore they are not committed. 
  • Mr. Schneider expressed a concern in framing this around jobs of today when we talk about the jobs of tomorrow are not even here today.  Is there a way to structure this so that it is not focusing on specific careers but more on interests. As he is looking through the list he recognizes 15 - 20 careers that would require the same courses, this would not tie a student to one career but open their eyes to their interests and what careers are out there where they can utilize them. Mrs. Young  stated she has not seen that concept but she will definitely look into it.

8.2 District Goal: Improve Communication
  • Kindergarten Registration February 20 - March 16

8.3 District Goal: Planning for Growth
  • Construction Update

9. Treasurer's Report
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

9.1 .
  • Monthly Financial Report
  • FY 2018 Forecast / Actual Mid-Year Comparision

10. Selected Board Policies

10.1 .

First reading of the following Board policy:

  • 9141 Business Advisory Council

11. Board Members Items of Discussion

Minutes

  • Dr. Fagan expressed that she was starting her third term and she was reflecting on all of the votes that she has made over the years. She can honestly say she has made all of her votes based on what is in the best interest of the children except one, which was the track repair.  She wanted to address some of the items that were posted on social media that was said about the board and her personally. It was stated that the board was trying to created panic around the bond. It would have been extremely irresponsible of her or the board not to vote to have the bond on the ballot. She also addressed personal slurs that were raised during the campaign of her being a democrat and liberal, a foreigner and Pollock's puppet. She shared her perspective on these slurs. She is thankful to the community for allowing her to serve on the board again.
  • Mr. Troyer shared that he and the students are done with the cold weather.  This is winter homecoming week and they thought they would be able to do dueling theme week.  They are getting ready to have the winter pep rally.  Principal's Leadership meeting was today, he always looks forward to it because it is a club that he feels really looks at making a difference.  Rehearsal has begun for the musical.
  • Mr. Schneider shared that Chief Wilson is retiring and he wanted to thank him for all he has done for the community.  He also thanked the maintenance staff for keeping things cleaned up during this difficult winter.  If you have questions or concerns regarding delays and closings don't be a facebook warrior, pick up the phone and call someone. He is excited to see that Brian Shelton, our AD, will be talking to the community about sponsorships and what that entails for local businesses. He welcomed Mr. Crowl on board.
  • Mr. Wecker welcomed Doug and thank Allison and Brad for their service.  Also, during the course of many conversations regarding the build of two new buildings that they will be getting some firsthand knowledge of the many different types of construction positions that relate to the build.

12. Public Participation

This 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, which is attached to the agenda.)


13. Business Items

13.1 18-15 Minutes
Ms. Angie Pollock

It is recommended the Board approve the 2018/2019 and the 2019/2020 district calendars.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.2 18-16
Ms. Angie Pollock

It is recommended the Board approve the joint resolution utilizing the ESC of Central Ohio's Business Advisory Council.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.3 18-17
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the board approve the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds in the amount of not to exceed $108,000,000 for the purpose of constructing school facilities; renovating, improving and constructing additions to school facilities; furnishing and equipping the same; improving the sites thereof; acquiring land and interests in land; retiring notes previously issued for such purpose; and authorizing and approving related matters.

Minutes

  • Mr. Crowl asked the question if it makes sense that the board approve a resolution to allow us to issue all the bonds when it is going to phase in over a period of time.  There was further discussion that this was a standard practice to allow for a streamlined approach to issuing bonds that the community had already authorized.  Further discussion was had regarding how we are very committed to sticking to our debt issuance plan as well as issuance of all the bonds at one time would be problematic due to tax-exempt bond laws, but it was important to have the authority to be able to issue the bonds so the process of issuing the bonds could continue to progress as well as not hold up the funding needs for the planning and construction phases of our building projects.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.4 18-18
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the revised OASBO 457 Plan document under the District 457 Plan.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.5 18-19
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

It is recommended the Board approve the appropriation modifications for fiscal year 2018.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.6 18-20

It is recommended the Board approve the five-year forecast.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.7 18-21
Ms. Angie Pollock

It is recommended the Board approve the following extended field trip:

  • BWIS 6th grade students, Heartland Outdoor School in Marengo, Ohio, May 1-4, 2018

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

14. Human Resource Items
Ms. Angie Pollock

14.1 18-22

It is recommended the Board approve the Director of Facilities job description.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

14.2 18-23

it is recommended the Board accept the resignation of Jeremy Evans, 2nd shift custodian, effective January 2, 2018.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

15. 18-24 Executive Session

It is recommended the Board enter Executive Session to consider the employment of a public employee, to confer with an attorney for the board of education concerning disputes involving the board that are the subject of pending or imminent court action official and to discuss confidential information related to negotiations with other subdivisions regarding requests for economic development assistance.

Minutes

  • Executive Session began at 8:55pm

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board RepX  
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX  

16. 18-25 Adjourn

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

Minutes

The Board came out of executive session and adjourned at 9:32pm.

 

Result: Approved

Motioned: Dr. Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Mr. Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Dr. Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Mr. Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mrs. Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Mr. Jacob Troyer, Student Board Rep   
Mr. Douglas Crowl, Board MemberX