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
  • Safe, respectful and welcoming environment

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

4. President
Mr. Andy Wecker
  • Call to Order
  • Pledge of Allegiance

5. Roll Call
Mr. Andy Wecker

Minutes

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

6. 18-114 Minutes
Mr. Andy Wecker

It is recommended the Board approve the June 14 and 21, 2018 regular meeting and the June 27, 2018, special meeting minutes.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Doug Crowl, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

7. Superintendent's Report
Ms. Angie Pollock

7.1 District Goals: Student Academic Achievement

7.2 District Goal: Improve Communication

7.3 District Goal: Planning for Growth
  • Planet Oasis - Ms. Angie Pollock and Mr. Brad Schneider
  • Site Plan & Initial Building Design - Mr. Chris Dumsford, VSWC Architects
  • Construction Update - Mr. Doug Swartz

Minutes

  • Ms. Pollock and Mr. Schneider shared that representatives from Planet Oasis came to us the day before the press release and they have not provided any information to us regarding revenue to the District from the development,
  • Ms. Pollock shared that they would probably come to us planning to utilize a 10 year 75% TIF (Tax Incremental Financing) arrange that does not need district approval.  This is an arrangement where 75% of payments from the increase assessed value in property and improvements are directed toward separate fund instead of local government entities to subsidize the cost of public infrastructure. She has concerns by the comments by the developer and comments made at a recent trustee meeting that this was going to be a windfall for the District; however, they have not provided us with any information or details that support this, and from prior experience this is generally not the case when these developments come into a district.
  • Mr. Schneider shared that one of the general things that were shared is the development was going to be done in 5 phases with a movie theater complex being one of the first things to go in and each of the other phases would be contingent upon the success of the other. There is still nothing that has been provided to zoning, no permits have been pulled, and no land has been acquired. Berkshire has always been good about sharing development that would be coming and they too were a little taken back by the announcement.
  • Mr. Dumsford shared on the basic layout of each project on the site and shared diagrams of both the elementary school and the high school to provide an update on the program design based on feedback from the design committee. The first milestone is schematic design with is to occur in the next month for the elementary school and the high school a month later.  The next stage is design development where more planning is performed.  During each phase estimating is done to ensure that we are on budget.
  • Mr. Crowl asked whether we would be designing with subterranean structures for natural disasters.  Mr. Dumsford shared that at this time there has been a moratorium on the application of this standard that has delayed it until September of 2019, and we are not planning on designing for this.  The building will still be safe and have areas where people can take refuge during a natural disaster.
  • Mr. Swartz provided an update on the construction that is occurring.  We are still on track to get in for the start of school in our 5 building that are undergoing security updates.  We may still have contractors in the building after hours to finish up, but they are on track.

8. Recognitions
Mr. Andy Wecker
  • Meredith Thomas, 2nd Team All Ohio - Dr. Fagan
  • Brandon Mosher, State Qualifier Discus & 3rd Place Shot Put - Mrs. Meyer
  • Tim Rumas, State 3rd Place 100M & 4th Place 200M - Mr. Schneider

9. Treasurer's Report
Mr. Jeremy Buskirk

9.1 District Goal: Financial Responsibility
  • Monthly Financials

10. Selected Board Policies

Minutes

Result: Approved


10.1 18-115

It is recommended the Board approve the following policy revisions:

  • 2271 - College Credit Plus Program
  • 5200 - Attendance
  • 7542 - Access to District Technology Resources from Personal Communication Devices

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

11. Board Members Items of Discussion
Mr. Andy Wecker

Minutes

  • Mr. Schneider announced the Mitchell Young baseball tournament and cornhole on the square.  He thanked Allison for the years of service and that it has been enlightening and fun to serve with her and the things he has learned about being a good public servant.
  • Mrs. Meyer indicated that 39 of our students scored a 5 on their AP exams and that 57 5's in total were received.  She also thanked Allison shared how she remembers serving with her as part of the levy committee and that she appreciates all the years of service and the things that she has learned from Allison over the years.
  • Mr. Wecker remembers the first time he met Allison at the BWE baseball field and that he noted after that meeting that she was very direct, which is a great attribute to have, and he appreciates all her contributions over the years.
  • Dr. Fagan stated it has been an honor and privilege to serve Big Walnut on this Board of Education for the past 8 1/2 years. She is proud of the decisions she made on behalf of our students, staff, faculty, and the Big Walnut community. When done right, being a Board member requires significant time and commitment outside of the 2 regular meetings each month. As community members consider submitting an application to fill this vacated seat, she implores everyone to consider their motivations. The challenges of being on the Board are the limits of our control posed by many governmental authorities, the complexity of the issues associated with providing oversight to a growing public school district, and the importance of seeing the needs of the district from a district-wide lens.  If you are considering applying with a single issue in mind, I would discourage your application. She thanked this Board and governance team. She also acknowledged the prior board members and people she has served with including Nicci Hess, Pam Lillie, Jim Hildreth, Diana Butts, and Vena Hines. She also thanked and acknowledged Angie Pollick, Jeremy Buskirk, and Mark Cooper, as well as former governance team members, Superintendent Steve Mazzi, Treasurer Terri Eyerman, Treasurer Felicia Drummey, and former Asst Superintendent Gary Barber. Behind the scenes, she shared that she has grown from consultation with Bill Reimer of the ESC, the Ohio School Boards Association and the trainings she has been privileged to attend, as well as our amazing central office Administrative team. It is humbling to see your name on the ballot, and to be elected to serve 3 times. I want to thank this community for your confidence.

12. Public Participation
Mr. Andy Wecker

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.)

Minutes

  • Mr. Bill Anders shared some concerns regarding the design of the auditorium and cafeteria being large enough the traffic at the 37 and Miller Drive intersection.  
  • Mr. Art Gorsuch also shared concerns regarding the traffic on Miller Drive.
  • Mr. Ben Douce shared concerns that the location was not a prominent location that would show off the school.

13. Business Items

13.1 18-116
Mr. Doug Swartz

It is recommended the Board approve the execution of the CMR Agreement for preconstruction services with Gilbane Building Company.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.2 18-117
Mr. Doug Swartz

It is recommended the Board approve the addendum to the agreement with Triad Architects for additional professional services for the security improvements project.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Brad Schneider, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board Member  X

13.3 18-118

It is recommended the Board approve the Agreement for Therapy Services for the 2018/2019 school year between Professional Speech Services, Inc. and Big Walnut Schools.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

13.4 18-119
Mr. Mark Cooper

It is recommended the Board approve the Resolution Declaring Transportation to be Impractical for Certain Identified Schools.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Doug Crowl, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

14. Human Resource Items
Mr. Mark Cooper

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

14.1 18-121

It is recommended the Board approve the following resignations:

  • Meagan Horn, Big Walnut Middle School Intervention Specialist, effective at the end of the 2017/2018 school year
  • Debra Mayhew, Big Walnut High School General Secretary II (Attendance), effective at the end of the 2017/2018 contract year
  • Nick Powell, Big Walnut Middle School Intervention Specialist, effective July 31, 2018

Minutes

  • Dr. Fagan motioned, Mrs. Meyer seconded for consent for items 14.1 through 14.9 with the exception of 14.5 and 14.6.

Result: Approved


14.2 .

It is recommended the Board approve a one-year certified contract for 2018/2019 school year for the following certified employees:

  • Taylor Budd, General Rosecrans Elementary, Intervention Specialist, BA step 0
  • Sarah Price, Big Walnut Middle School, Intervention Specialist, BA step 2
  • Layne Bair, Big Walnut High School, English Teacher, MA+15 step 5
  • Gabrielle Rader, General Rosecrans Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher, BA step 0
  • Jennifer Hutras, Big Walnut Middle School, Intervention Specialist, MA+30 step 5
  • Kelsie Ryan, Big Walnut Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher, BA step 3
  • Tonya Stevens, General Rosecrans Elementary, Kindergarten Teacher, MA step 5

Minutes

  • consent in item 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


14.3 .

It is recommended the Board approve a 90-day classified contract for P. Yvonne Grubb, Harrison Street Elementary Office Assistant, 4 hours/day, 190-day calendar, step 0, effective August 13, 2018.

Minutes

  • consent in item 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


14.4 .
Ms. Angie Pollock

It is recommended the Board approve the revised administrative contract for Mark Cooper, Assistant Superintendent, effective August 1, 2018.

Minutes

  • consent in items 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


14.5 12-122

It is recommended the Board approve a two-year 220-day Administrative Level I contract for Nick Powell, Big Walnut Middle School Assistant Principal, $70,000 annual salary, effective August 1, 2018.

Minutes

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

14.6 18-123

It is recommended the Board approve the attached supplemental contracts for the 2018 Fall athletic coaches.

Minutes

The board motioned to approved the list as amended to add that Ron Truax is a paid position at Group 3 step 3.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Allison Fagan, Board Member

Seconded: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

14.7 .

It is recommended the Board approve the following extended days:

BWHS 
Jeanne Collett - 20 days
Tammi Jordan - 20 days
Kristen Macklin-Lanning - 10 days
Meghan Vituccio - 20 days  

BWMS
Corry Schull - 20 days
Ric Cavicchia - 10 days

BWIS
Molly Fortune - 10 days  

District
Katie Yeager - 5 days

Minutes

  • consent in items 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


14.8 .

It is recommended the Board approve the attached co-curricular supplemental contracts for the 2018/2019 school year.

 

Minutes

  • consent in items 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


14.9 .

It is recommended the Board approve to rescind the following portion of motion 18-82:

  • supplemental contract for the 2018/2019 school year for Audrey Nelson, Head Coach - Golf (Girls), group 3, step 2

Minutes

  • consent in items 14.1 motion 18-121

Result: Approved


15. Scheduling of Next Board Meeting
Mr. Andy Wecker

Regular Board Meeting:

                                    August 9, 2018
                                    7:30 a.m.
                                    District Administrative Office

                                    August 16, 2018
                                    6:30 p.m.
                                    District Administrative Office

 


16. 18-125 Executive Session
Mr. Andy Wecker

It is recommended the Board enter Executive Session to consider the employment of a public employee, to consider the purchase of property, to discuss details relative to the security arrangements and emergency response protocols for the Board of Education and to discuss confidential information related to negotiations with other subdivisions regarding requests for economic development assistance.

   

 

Minutes

The Board took a recess at 8:12 pm.

The Board entered executive session at 8:25 pm.

 

Motioned: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Doug Crowl, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX  

17. 18-126 Adjourn
Mr. Andy Wecker

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

Minutes

The Board exited executive session at 10:28 pm.

Result: Approved

Motioned: Mindy Meyer, Board Member

Seconded: Allison Fagan, Board Member

VoterYesNoAbstaining
Andy Wecker, PresidentX  
Allison Fagan, Board MemberX  
Brad Schneider, Board MemberX  
Mindy Meyer, Board MemberX  
Doug Crowl, Board MemberX