SOUTHERN WELLS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
BOARD AGENDA
Executive Sessions, Before and After
Public Meeting, 5 PM
Elementary Media Center
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
EXECUTIVE SESSION: An executive session was held as allowed by Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1: (5) To receive information about and interview prospective employees. Those attending were President Kevin Scott, Vice-President Aaron Westfall, Secretary Mark Durham, Liaison Todd Fiechter, Superintendent Steve Darnell, and guest Kyle Jarman.
PUBLIC MEETING: The public meeting began at 5:15 PM. Others attending were elementary principal Cari Whicker, maintenance supervisor Ryan King, corporation secretary Robin Minniear, Heather Jarman,Glen Werling of the Bluffton News-Banner, and patrons Wendy and Nathan Sprunger, Jim Schwarzkopf, Bill Day, and Mike Mossburg.
I. MEETING ORGANIZATION:
1. Approve Agenda
Motion: Scott
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
2. Approve Minutes: June 20
Motion: Durham
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
II. FINANCIAL ITEMS:
1. Claims
Motion: Westfall
Second: Durham
Vote: 4-0
2. Financial Reports, Bank Reconciliation, Credit Card Statement
Motion: Westfall
Second: Fiechter
Vote: 4-0
3. 2018 Budget Calendar
Motion: Westfall
Second: Durham
Vote: 4-0
4. Extra-Curricular Annual Reports
Motion: Scott
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
III. COMMUNITY INPUT:
Mike Mossburg inquired about progress in the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. He is a new board member of the regional sewage district and encouraged the board to revisit the project with the RSD, as he felt that he could assist action through that agency.
Bill Day asked why the board did not pray publically before the open meeting and it was explained that the Freedom from Religion Foundation had taken issue with previous practice. Members noted that they “will make a clear separation of the meeting and prayer.”
Jim Schwarzkopf inquired, “What is the fear of going to Montpelier” with the wastewater project? He expressed the opinion that the corporation should have gone there in 1992 during a previous construction phase. Mr. Scott responded that he fears we don’t have all the facts and there are still too many unknowns.
Mr. Darnell recommended hiring Betty Dodd of Lewis-Kappes Law Firm to begin reviewing the Montpelier Interlocal Agreement which was just received July 18. Estimated cost is $3,500. However, the board declined to given permission for the attorney to begin the review.
Mr. Scott wants to figure out the direction of activity before an engineering firm can be hired to see which one can best provide that service.
Mr. Mossburg intends to lend his advice on which direction to go and which engineering firm to hire.
IV. ACTION ITEMS:
1. PERSONNEL: Mr. Darnell, Superintendent, Mrs. Cari Whicker, ES Principal, and Mr. Robert Mangus, AD, recommend that the Board approve the following personnel changes as outlined.
ü Background Information
The position was posted in late May (as an anticipated position) with full posting on June 14. The posting closed on June 30, 2017. We had 13 candidates apply.
Once a complete application was received from a candidate, a statement on confidentiality was emailed for return asking that materials shared in the process be held in confidence. When returned, candidates were emailed assessments (mirrored job functions that a principal routinely performs) to complete and return.
Any candidate choosing not to complete the assessment phase was excluded from advancing in the process. We had three of the 13 drop out. Of the 10, six candidates were invited to an interview. Interviews were conducted on July 10. The interview team consisted of two Board members, two teachers, three administrators, one parent, and the Superintendent.
Demographically, the candidates were:
Four male, two female
Employed with six different school districts/agencies (Blackford, Jay, Mt. Vernon, Whitko, Out-of-state, Crossroads)
Two sitting administrators, one guidance director, three teachers
After interviews, candidates were given a tour of the secondary building if so desired.
When all things were considered from the initial interview with the committee, candidate assessment results, final interview questions and responses, Mr. Kyle Jarman clearly is the best fit for our position, students, and staff.
Mr. Jarman comes to us with 13 years of business/industry experience in management roles followed by five years of education experience at the secondary level. Most recently, he was the dean for the 8th grade academy at Mt. Vernon High School and assistant athletic director at Mt. Vernon Middle School.
He has an undergraduate degree in business management, attended the United States Air Force Academy, and possesses dual graduate degrees in teaching and building administration from the University of Indianapolis, as well as, Indiana State University. His servant leadership attitude and collaborative approach for student achievement gains will be a perfect fit for Southern Wells Community Schools.
ü Recommendation
Superintendent Darnell recommends Mr. Kyle Jarman as our Junior-Senior High School Principal for an initial two-year contract, 220 days annually, salary of $82,000 with benefits afforded to him as provided for school administrators. Contract to begin on July 1, 2017.
Mr. Jarman responded that he was excited to begin work and become involved in the community and with this fine learning institution.
Motion: Westfall
Second: Durham
Vote: 4-0
ü English Teacher Recommendation:
I am recommending Lori Brehm for the position on English Teacher. Lori brings with her 20 years of teaching experience. In addition, Lori has a passion for learning and for being a part of a team. Lori is coming to us from Fort Wayne South Side where she has taught for six years. In addition, Lori spent five of her teaching years at South Adams, so Lori is familiar with our area.
Recommendation is for salary of $53,000.
Robert Mangus
Motion: Westfall
Second: Fiechter
Vote: 4-0
ü Please extend Lisa Rhoton's summer tech hours by at most 80 hours. She will be paid $10/hour for only those hours worked.
Thanks,
ChrisHartman
Motion: Scott
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
ü A recommendation was received from maintenance supervisor Ryan King to employee Daniel Wilson as 2nd shift custodian, bringing that staff back up to full manpower. He will begin at $16.20/hour with no probationary period..
Motion: Durham
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
2. WWTP PROPOSALS UPDATE – The Board delayed action on this as information was just received July 18.
It is anticipated that John Brooke, Montpelier City Attorney, will provide a recommended interlocal agreement between SWCS and the City of Montpelier for discussion at the meeting. Included in the package are three items: proposals from Triad, Commonwealth, and a cost analysis performed by Mr. Fiechter that demonstrates the cost savings of the Montpelier hookup option.
3. STRATEGIC PLAN
ü Background Information
In September 2016, a stakeholder survey was constructed to gather input, feelings, concerns, and praises for the future success of Southern Wells Community Schools. The survey was available for students, staff, parents, and community individuals to complete both online and in print form. The goal of the stakeholder survey was to assure everyone had input in the direction of the district in future years. Two hundred five (205) individuals responded with great ideas for the future success of the district for students. When results from the stakeholder survey were categorized by demographics, the district received responses from 43 students, 92 parents, 35 staff members, and 35 community individuals. Full survey results are included in the plan.
Targeted individuals were solicited and charged with the responsibility of developing a strategic plan for the school district for the coming years. The charge was labeled, “Mission 2020.” The district was on a mission – the mission was to make Southern Wells Community Schools the absolute best learning environment for student achievement by the year 2020. The 16 individuals serving on the strategic planning leadership team included:
Mrs. Gwen McElhaney, parent
Ms. Delaney Smith, student
Mr. Ryan King, Maintenance Supervisor
Mrs. Chris Hartman, Technology Director
Mrs. Nikki Barcus and Mr. Chris Painter, classroom teachers
Mr. Joshua Johnson, Mr. Ryan Beavans and Mr. Jesston Nusbaumer, parents and community representatives
Mrs. Kelly Michael, parent and PIE President
Mr. Kevin Scott and Mr. Aaron Westfall, School Board members
Mr. Chad Yencer and Mr. John Purcell, building Principals
Mr. Robert Mangus, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director
Mrs. Vicki Andrews, Corporation Treasurer
Mr. Steve Darnell, Superintendent
The leadership team began its tasks by identifying goal priorities gleaned from the 42 pages of results from the stakeholder survey and building upon School Board goals identified in July 2016. These new goals included: student learning and academic achievement; parent and community relationships/partnerships; professional development, recruitment, and retention; and exceptional facilities and strategic financial planning. Team members met monthly from January – May 2017 to identify priorities for the district and formulate a plan of action to achieve identified targets within the plan.
ü Recommendation
Superintendent Darnell recommends approval of the 2017-2020 strategic plan framework as identified. Details of implementation of each goal priority will be submitted for approval in August after new building leadership has had opportunity to review and make suggestions.
Motion: Westfall, noting his belief in the Plan
Second:Durham
Vote:4-0
4. POLICY, 1ST READING: Teacher Appreciation Grant
Motion: Fiechter
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
5. FIELD TRIP REQUEST: Mr. Bobby Mangus, Athletic Director, recommends approval of the following field trips:
ü Cheerleader Lock-In, August 4-5
Motion: Scott
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
6. FACILITY RENTAL REQUEST: Mr. Mangus, AD, recommends approval of the following facility rental request:
ü Music Department, Raider Classic January 6, 2018
Motion: Scott
Second: Westfall
Vote: 4-0
V. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
ü Update on Summer Projects, Ryan King:
Concrete is complete and railing will be installed this week
A&H has stage floor refinish completed and HS blinds are done.
The high school library is on schedule with drywall being mudded.
Liby’s have started the parking lot resealing.
ESCO is behind in the security project, but ahead of schedule with the HS café sound project.
Felger will replace an elementary compressor next week. King noted that 50% of cooling in the ES was lost and humidity was very high. He said this was a big ticket item and one of those you hope to avoid.
WWTP has post air problems and Culy’s are working to resolve. This will most likely result in an IDEM violation. There is also an issue with faulty grates at the Plant.
ü New elementary well update: Mr. King briefed the board on developments with the contaminated and abandoned elementary well. IDEM has identified the substance in the well as medium viscosity natural crude oil. Since it is a natural source of contamination, we will not be liable for remediation but we will be responsible for the proper sealing and abandonment of the new well. Filtering of the new well would not be feasible due to the oil clogging up the media in the filters.
IDEM has immediate concern for water conservation through the entire campus because the contaminated well is so close to the HS well currently in use. If we draw the water level down, there is a great possibility that the oil from the area of the contamination will draw over and contaminate our only water source. IDEM suggests we reduce ECA events, upgrade fixtures to low consumption types with auto shut off sinks and upgrade the HS well system as big as possible.
It is worth noting that we have always been on a strict water sampling schedule to ensure the water quality meets IDEM standards. There is no well pumping equipment or water piping connected to the new well.
ü District transportation: The board members reaffirmed their commitment to provide transportation to out-of-district students in Blackford, Huntington and Jay counties for the 2017-18 school year. Mr. Westfall noted, “We are still doing that. We aren’t doing anything illegal.” Mr. Fiechter concurred, “We are the only Wells County School not doing it.”
ü On August 29, prior to the budget workshop at 5 PM, a work session to learn the BoardDocs agenda organization system will be held at 4 PM.
VI. SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS:
VII. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 PM. The signatures below certify that the minutes accurately reflect what occurred in the regular meeting and that only those items permitted by Indiana Code were discussed in the executive session.
Motion: Westfall
Second: Durham
Vote: 4-0
EXECUTIVE SESSION: An executive session followed as allowed by Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-6.1 (9) To discuss a job performance evaluation of individual employees. This subdivision does not apply to a discussion of the salary, compensation, or benefits of employees during a budget process.
MARK DURHAMTODD FIECHTER
KEVIN SCOTT
AARON WESTFALL
SOUTHERN WELLS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, BOARD OF SCHOOL TRUSTEES