Board of Education Official Meeting Minutes

UTICA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
Joan C. Sergent
Instructional Resource Center
14201 Canal Road
Sterling Heights, MI  48313
June 14, 2010


Attending: C. Klenow, G. Klida, C. Territo, J. Prybys, M. Templeton, R. Ross, D. Meyers

1.-2. Meeting Call to Order
Dr. Klenow called the meeting to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Minutes
Motion by Klida, supported by Territo, that the minutes be approved as presented. Motion carried.

4. Superintendent’s Report
In her report to the Board of Education, Schools Superintendent Dr. Christine M. Johns reports that the month of August, heading into the new school year, is always a time of heightened activity, excitement and happy anticipation. As we prepare to welcome our students back on
Tuesday, September 7th she shared more good news about our students at Utica Community Schools.
Over the summer, students have continued to distinguish themselves academically, bearing out more and more evidence that our K-12 College Culture is producing the intended results. She congratulated David Smellie, a junior this year at Utica High School who achieved a perfect score on the ACT. She also mentioned that several of our graduates from the class of 2010, who are now busy with their college and university orientations, have shared that the Advanced Placement coursework and testing they pursued in high school is indeed paying dividends – both in tuition savings and higher course placement. For example, one young man told us he was granted 30 AP credits at the University of Michigan before starting college and will begin his college career as a sophomore.
Dr. Johns was proud to report that last week’s Education YES! Report from the Michigan Department indicates that 100 percent of our district’s elementary, junior high and high schools achieved AYP – Adequate Yearly Progress – as required by the federal No Child Left Behind law.
AYP is based on attaining higher achievement on the state assessments by all students, including those challenged with special learning needs, language or socio-economic difficulties.
The results of the Michigan Merit Exam also shows Utica Community Schools students outperformed their counterparts across the county and state on the state’s reading, writing, mathematics and science assessments. The Michigan Merit Exam includes the ACT, an admission
requirement for most mid-west colleges and universities. Again, our students led all of Macomb County and surpassed the state, as well. We will continue to focus our efforts on continuous improvement. A comprehensive district MME-ACT report is being prepared to present at a future Board of Education meeting.
Dr. Johns reported earlier, a new school year always brings excitement and new possibilities. New teachers and new ideas are part of that excitement and possibility. Mr. David Rilley, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, informed Dr. Johns that no less than 1,000 serious candidates applied to teach in our elementary classrooms. As a leading school district – a destination district – we attract the best of the best. We are assured that those hired to fill roughly 50 available positions for the fall are experienced, highly qualified individuals who will continued the standard of excellence long held by our teaching staff. The same is true of the talented administrators hired this summer to replace those who retired or existing vacancies. Excitement and eagerness to begin a new year is in the air everywhere in Utica Community Schools.
Dr. Johns mentioned that the district’s budget and finance staff are currently working with the auditors to complete the district’s annual audit, which will be presented to the Board of Education later this fall.
Dr. Johns assured the Board of Education and district parents that our staff members are continuing to work all summer in our offices, schools and other facilities making sure programs and personnel are in place, buses are ready to roll, buildings are clean and well-stocked, and all
else is ready for the return of our teachers and students. The main work of Utica Community Schools - that of teaching and learning - to begin again.

Comments from Dr. Klenow were entertained.

5. Community Correspondence
Community Correspondence from Michelle Schimelfening was acknowledged.

6. Public Communication
Dr. Klenow reviewed the guidelines for public communication.
The following individual addressed the Board of Education: Connie Capitanio

7A. Student Expulsion
Dr. Johns made the recommendation to the Board of Education for permanent expulsion of a student.
Motion by Klida, supported by Templeton, that the Board of Education permanently expel Student #4000460939 from the Utica Community Schools.
Motion carried.

8A1. Administrative Appointments
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Dr. Mary Johnston to the position of Executive Director of Innovation, Federal and State Programs and Curriculum.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Dr. Johnston.
Motion by Klida, supported by Meyers, that the Board of Education appoint Dr. Mary B. Johnston to the position of Executive Director of Innovation, Federal and State Programs and Curriculum effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A2. Director of Elementary Programs
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Ms. Lisa Rivard to the position of Director of Elementary Programs. Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Ms. Rivard.
Motion by Territo, supported by Ross, that the Board of Education appoint Ms. Lisa Rivard to the position of Director of Elementary Programs effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A3. Directory of Secondary Programs
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Ms. Joyce Arbaugh to the position of Director of Secondary Programs. Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Ms. Arbaugh.
Motion by Meyers, supported by Templeton, that the Board of Education appoint Ms. Joyce Arbaugh to the position of Director of Secondary Programs effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A4. Director of School/Community Relations
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Mr. Timothy McAvoy to the position of Director of School/Community Relations.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Mr. McAvoy.
Motion by Klida, supported by Ross, that the Board of Education appoint Mr. Timothy McAvoy to the position of Director of School and Community Relations effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A5. Supervisor of Pupil Accounting
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Ms. Karen Patrick to the position of Supervisor of Pupil Accounting.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Ms. Patrick.
Motion by Territo, supported by Meyers, that the Board of Education appoint Ms. Karen Patrick to the position of Supervisor of Pupil Accounting effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A6. Junior High School Principal
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Mr. Scott Waak to the position of Junior High School Principal.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Mr.Waak.
Motion by Templeton, supported by Territo, that the Board of Education appoint Mr. Scott Waak to the position of Junior High School Principal effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A7. Utica Center for Applied Learning (UCAL) Administrator
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Mr. Timothy D. Youngblood to the position of Utica Center for Applied Learning (UCAL) Administrator.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Mr.Youngblood.
Motion by Prybys, supported by Templeton, that the Board of Education appoint Mr. Timothy Youngblood to the position of Utica Center for Applied Learning Administrator effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A8. Senior High Associate Principal
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Mr. Peter J. Paulon to the position of Senior High Associate Principal.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Mr.Paulon.
Motion by Ross, supported by Meyers, that the Board of Education appoint Mr. Peter Paulon to the position of Senior High Associate Principal effective August 10, 2010.
Motion carried.

8A9. Senior High Associate Principal
Dr. Christine M. Johns, Superintendent, recommended to the Board of Education the appointment of Mr. Mark McLoughlin to the position of Senior High Associate Principal.
Dr. Johns reviewed the credentials of Mr.McLoughlin.
Motion by Territo, supported by Klida, that the Board of Education appoint Mr. Mark McLoughlin to the position of Senior High Associate Principal effective August 16, 2010.
Motion carried.

8B. Extension of the Superintendent’s Contract
Dr. Klenow, President of the Utica Community Schools Board of Education requested the proposal to extend the term of the Superintendent’s Employment Contract and the addendum to the
employment contract. Motion by Territo, supported by Meyers, that the Board of Education approve the addendum to the
employment contract, as presented, and authorizes its members to execute.

9A. Schedule of Bills Report
Mrs. Jill Tomyn, Budget Director, reviewed for the Board of Education information on the schedule of bills for the General Fund and Capital Projects accounts.
GENERAL FUND – SPECIAL – June ................................. $21,928,657.97
GENERAL FUND – SPECIAL – July .................................. $14,246,270.34
GENERAL FUND (06/30/10) .............................................. $3,642,077.89
GENERAL FUND (07/07/10) .............................................. $1,990,650.73
GENERAL FUND (07/14/10) ................................................. $982,712.87
GENERAL FUND (07/21/10) .............................................. $1,136,037.55
GENERAL FUND (07/28/10) .............................................. $1,952,647.09
GENERAL FUND (08/04/10) ................................................. $128,103.01
Total: $46,007,157.45

BOND 2000:
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2005 ................................................... $50,721.73
BOND 2003
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2003-Series 06 ......................................... $2,783.64
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2003-Series 07- .................................... $486,608.04
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2003-Series 08 .................................... $269,579.25
$758,970.93
BOND 2009:
CAPITAL PROJECTS 2009 ................................................. $281,871.26
$281,871.26

The Board of Education accepted the report as presented.

9B1. Technology Services
Ms. Stephanie Eagen, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, stated as part of the 2010-2011 approved budget, reductions occurred in the Technology Department resulting in a
reengineering of support services. During the last 60 days a new support model has been designed that utilizes a central help desk as the first point of contact for all support requests.
The district issued an RFP for Technology Staffing Services for help desk support staff that will be assigned to the help desk. Help desk staff will be available on all teacher work days plus a number of days at the beginning and end of the school year. The help desk technicians will work on-site at the Administrative Service Center and will be under direct UCS supervision. Help desk staff will travel to buildings on an as-needed basis. After a detailed review of the RFP responses, the Technology Department is recommending that the Board of Education approve the proposal submitted by Netarx LLC and authorize district
administration to enter into a contract with Netarx LLC. Netarx LLC submitted a response with the lowest cost and held pricing firm for the three year contract term expiring June 30, 2013. The
contract may be extended by three additional one-year terms at the District’s convenience.
Motion by Klida, supported by Territo, that the Board of Education approve the proposal from Netarx LLC for Technology Staffing Services and authorize district administration to enter into a
three (3) year contract with Netarx LLC from August 10, 2010 – June 30, 2013.
Motion carried.

9B2. Macomb/Oakland Aggregate Bus Fuel Purchasing Program
Ms. Stephanie Eagan, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, reviewed the Macomb/Oakland Aggregate Bus Fuel Purchasing Program. The Board of Education approved participation in this program on August 10, 2009. The specifications provided that, with mutual
agreement, the contract could be extended for an additional year. The supplier has agreed to the extension.
Motion by Ross, supported by Meyers, that the Board of Education approve a one year extension of the contract with Spencer Oil Company through the Macomb/Oakland Aggregate Bus Fuel Purchasing Program.
Motion carried.

9B3. CARE Contract
Mr. Robert Van Camp, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, reviewed the request of renewal of its capitated contract with the Community Assessment Referral Education/Student Assistance Center for assessment and referral services for students from
August 10, 2010 through June 30, 2011. The contract fee is $1.00 per student, for a total $29,400.00. The estimated fee is based on the 2010-2011 enrollment projection and includes students attending the Utica Center for Board of Education Minutes
Applied Learning, the Utica Learning Academy and the Michigan School Readiness Program. The total may be adjusted accordingly based on the 2010-2011 official enrollment count.
Motion by Klida, supported by Templeton, that the Board of Education approves the attached agreement with the CARE/Student Assistance Center for assessment and referral services for students from August 10, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
Motion carried.

9B4. Special Education Contracted Services
Mr. Robert Van Camp, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, reviewed the request of renewal of three contracts for professional services for the Special Education Department. The companies: Career Staff Unlimited, Educational Based Services and Ultimate Care Transportation, provide a variety of important services including Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and transportation. The terms of these contracts will be effective immediately and run through June 2011. Fees for these services, which are provided as needed, are on a "per hour" basis.
Motion by Templeton, supported by Klida, that the Board of Education approves the contracts for Special Education professional services based on the hourly rates on the attached contracts.
Motion carried.

9C. Construction Change Orders
Mr. Mark Davey, Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services, reviewed 2003 Bond Issue Construction Change Order #69 and 2009 Bond Issue Construction Change Order #2.
Motion by Ross, supported by Territo, that the Board of Education approve 2003 Bond Issue
Construction Change Order #69 and 2009 Bond Issue Construction Change Order #2.
Motion carried

10. Board Items
No Board of Education items were presented.

11. Adjournment
Motion by Territo, supported by Meyers that the meeting adjourns at 8:04 p.m.
Motion carried.


Respectfully submitted
Mrs. Michele Templeton, Secretary
Utica Community Schools
Board of Education