The Wayne Trace Local Schools District Board of Education met in regular session on August 11, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Wayne Trace High School Lecture Hall.
Mrs. Lisa McClure led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn, Perry Sinn, Dick Swary – all present.
14-08-01:
“Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), a motion by Duane Sinn to adjourn to executive session at 7:01 pm for the purpose of considering the employment of employees of the School District.”
Second by Pat Baumle. Roll Call Vote: Duane Sinn, Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Perry Sinn, Dick Swary – all aye.
Return from executive session at 7:40 p.m.
Recognition of Guests:
Tim McDonough – Defiance Crescent-News; Jerry Hessel – WTLS Tech Coordinator.
Jerry Hessel, District Technology Coordinator, addressed the Board and reported that the student laptops are ready and are being distributed to student this week. He stated that the majority of the students are paying the $50 annual fee that allows them to take the laptop home for use.
Report of the Treasurer:
Treasurer Gary Ginter reported that almost $50,000 had been paid out in severance settlements due to the increase in retirements due to changes in STRS guidelines, and requested a fund transfer to replenish the fund for the next school year.
14-08-02 Consent Agenda Items:
A motion by Perry Sinn to approve the following consent agenda items:
A. to approve the minutes of the July 14, 2014 Board meeting;
B. to approve the investment report and payment of bills as presented by the treasurer for July 2014;
C. to approve the following fund transfers: 035 Severance from General Fund $50,000.00
D. to reverse advances made from general fund to grant funds at the end of the prior year:
• Cafeteria – $24,000.00
• Straight A – $15,082.76
*Before we pass the consent resolution, are there any items you would like to move from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda for further discussion and/or for separate voting purposes?
Seconded by Dick Swary. Roll Call Vote: Perry Sinn, Dick Swary, Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn – all aye.
Vantage Report – Pat Baumle:
Mr. Baumle reported that Vantage is busy getting ready for the new school year. He also reported that the newly installed solar panels are yielding an estimated annual savings of $49,000. He also reported two new hirings, a vo-ag teacher and a Curriculum Coordinator/IT Specialists.
Superintendent’s Report – Steve Arnold:
A. Curriculum
• State Assessments: This is the year that the on-line PARCC Assessments are scheduled to begin. We believe we are prepared for this change to occur.
• ODE Report Card: All report card data is still unofficial. Final numbers are expected in late August. As reported many times, school districts and school buildings will receive letter grades for certain criteria, but no overall grades will be issued. I had hoped to have official report card information at this meeting, but it will have to wait until the September BOE meeting.
• Special Education: I will be working with Laurie Delong and the building principals to outline our plan to continue closing the gap between our special education and regular education students. I hope to have this outlined plan at the September BOE meeting.
• Technology: I have invited Jerry Hessel to the meeting to give an overview of the technology department. He will have a five-ten minute update.
B. Personnel
• Due to a medical procedure for her child, I am seeking approval of a leave of absence under FMLA for Sarah Franz (consent item A).
• Greg is recommending Vicki Etzler as our part-time study hall monitor at the JH/HS (consent item B). We will also need to have her resignation approved as a bus driver (consent item C).
• We’ve had some shake-ups in our football coaching staff since May, so I’m seeking approval on those changes along with the approval of several other supplemental positions (consent items D-H).
• Due to nature of his position, I am recommending that we adjust Tony Langhals’ position from bargaining unit to administration (consent item I). Prior to the meeting, you will receive a separate packet outlining my rationale, which I hope answers all your questions.
• As of this writing, Kevin and I do not have a recommendation for the part-time cook at WTGH.
• Each year, we need to approve the hiring of the part-time Title I teacher at Divine Mercy because the money comes to us first. The teacher is Amy Wannemacher (consent item J).
• I am recommending that we once again offer a supplesmental contract to Ken Speice as our waste water treatment supervisor (consent item K).
C. Buildings and Grounds
• Grover Hill Roof: We have received three comparable estimates for the painting of the roof. However, I am recommending that we don’t simply put a coat of paint on the roof and hope for the best; rather, I believe we should fix the problems first and then paint it. As of this writing, we are working to collect several quotes to do the work correctly.
• Interior work at JH/HS: Greg or I will have an update on the many projects that took place inside the JH/HS building this summer.
• We continue to explore our options for the press boxes at the baseball and softball fields. The booster club has pledged $12,000 toward this project.
• Auditorium tours: I would like to discuss the option of contacting architects to begin drawing up the best option for us.
• The three school buildings are ready to go for the upcoming school year. The interior and exterior of each campus looks very nice. Thanks go out to the head custodians, the groundskeepers, and their respective crews for having the buildings and grounds looking sharp for opening day (consent item N).
D. Events
• Fall Sports Pictures – August 12
• Draw the Line Drug Test – August 12
• Open Houses for all three buildings are scheduled for the early evening of August 19.
• School opens for students on August 20.
• School will not be in session on August 29 for a district-wide in-service. The topics include technology, math text books, and department-level meetings.
E. Operations
• I am recommending that we establish the substitute bus driver pay at $14.22 per hour (consent item L). All other substitute rates are based on step zero of the negotiated contract.
• Handbooks: The building principals have submitted their recommendations for staff & student handbooks (consent item M).
• I am seeking authorization to approve bus routes and make changes to bus routes as necessary (consent item 0). Amy Noggle will be delegated this responsibility.
• Tim Baker and his crew (consent item P). were successful in getting all buses past inspection on the first day.
• I am recommending that we use the same milk and bread vendors as the previous year (consent item Q).
Treasurer’s Consent Items:
A. to approve the minutes of the July 15, 2014 Board meeting;
B. to approve the investment report and payment of bills as presented by the Treasurer;
C. to approve the following fund transfers:
035 Severance from General Fund – $50,000.00
D. to reverse advances made from general fund to grant funds at the end of the prior year:
Cafeteria – $24,000.00
Straight A Grant – $15,052.76
Superintendent’s Consent Items:
A. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to grant an extended leaveof-absence under FMLA for Sarah Franz from approximately August 13, 2014-September 26, 2014;
B. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Vicki Etzler as part-time JH/HS study hall supervisor, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
C. to accept the resignation of Vicki Etzler as a school bus driver, effective August 11, 2014;
D. to accept the resignation of Shawn Gerber as a JH football coach for the 2014-2015 school year;
E. to accept the resignation of Brian Yenser as a JH football coach for the 2014-2015 school year, and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, JH/HS Principal, and Athletic Director, to approve him as a volunteer football coach for the 2014-2015 school year.
F. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, JH/HS Principal, and Athletic Director, to adjust the contract for Dan Bland as a JH football coach to full salary for the 2014-2015 school year;
G. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer one-year supplemental contracts for the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Tom McCord – Assistant HS Football
• Ryan Fisher – JH Football
• Bill Speller – Weight Room Supervisor
• Kerry Gudakunst – Washington, D.C. Trip Advisor
H. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer one-year supplemental contracts for the 2014-2015 school year to the following classified personnel:
• Ann Olwin – Girls Faculty Manager
• Katy Scarbrough – Jr. Class Activities Advisor/High School Concession Stand Manager (50%)
• Jeanne Seffemick – Jr. Class Activities Advisor/High School Concession Stand Manager (50%) and Junior High Concession Stand Manager
I. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to offer Tony Langhals a three-year administrative contract as Director of Students and Staff Services, effective August 1, 2014;
J. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to approve a one-year limited contract for Amy Wannemacher as a Title I teacher at Divine Mercy School, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule based on verification of years of teacher experience;
K. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to approve a supplemental contract for Ken Speice as waste water treatment supervisor for the 2014-2015 school year;
L. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to establish the substitute rate for bus drivers at $14.22 per hour;
M. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Building Principals, to approve the staff and student handbooks for the 2014-2015 school year;
N. to commend our head custodians, groundskeepers, and summer workers, for preparing the school buildings and grounds for the upcoming school year;
O. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Director of Transportation, to approve all bus routes for the 2014-2015 school year and to grant the Superintendent authorization to adjust bus routes as necessary for the 2014-2015 school year;
P. to commend Tim Baker and his summer crew for having all buses pass state inspection on the first inspection;
Q. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to award milk bids to Airs Dairy and bakery bids to Millie’s Bakery for the 2014-2015 school year.
R. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Transportation Director, to offer a one-year contract to Camillia Kline as a bus driver, effective August 19, 2014, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
S. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Kim Troth as an aide, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
T. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Brandi Godoy as a part-time cook, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined.
U. upon the recommendation of the Supt. to authorize the Supt. to contract for press boxes at baseball and softball fields not to exceed $28,000
Grover Hill Elementary Principal’s Report – Kevin Wilson:
Maintenance:
• Gregg and his summer staff have been working hard to finish the building in time for the teachers to report. At this time they are still working on one hallway and then will move to the kitchen. When they have the kitchen finished Gregg will still have some small items to fix and I know he will have everything ready for day one.
• The broken floor tile in the kitchen are in the process of being replaced and should be done by weeks end
• The playground needs more “mulch” to fill in the low spots. The mulch has been ordered and at this time we are waiting for a delivery date. Once I have this time and date I will be contacting helpers.
• Gregg and I have been working with Mr. Arnold on the repair/recoating of the roof We have pass along quotes from different roofing companies and are hoping to have this completed soon.
• The water system is working great and our water is much improved over previous years.
• Mr. Bok is working hard to make sure our shrubbery is trimmed and looking great for the beginning of school. He is also spreading mulch around the building and at this time things look very nice.
• Jeff Temple cleaned the outside windows and it is amazing how much better they look.
• Currently I am working with the summer staff to sort all items currently not needed, but may be in the future and item that we do not have a need for. We will be storing the items that are categorized as “possibly needed” at the local storage facility. Items that we see no future use for will be sold at a garage/school sale.
• Over the summer I have been researching/looking for possible solution to our bird problems. After a long visit with Mr. Ray Volk, 1 think we have a possible solution. Ray showed me a wire that comes in two foot rolls that we will cut it to length and then screw it to our existing vents. This attempt is an inexpensive method and so I felt this would be a good place to start.
Academics:
Over the summer I have been in and out of the office and find it amazing as to how many staff members were in working in their rooms. During this time I spoke to several staff members about our OAA results and I can say that no one is happy with these results. This year at WTGH with the change to 80% passage we only hit 2 out of 9 indicators and have a P1 of 95.8.
During my many discussions with the teachers we understand the need for setting some very high goals and will be using the Ohio Improvement Process to monitor student progress toward our goals.
Goals:
1. 90% of our students will pass the OAA in all tested subjects
2. The Ohio Improvement Process will play a major role in helping us to monitor each student’s level of success.
3. We will meet at least every three weeks to review/discuss student progress:
a. Week one grades 5 and 6 will meet for 45 to 60 minutes
b. Week two grades 3 and 4 will meet for 45 to 60 minutes
c. Week three grades 1 and 2 will meet for 45 to 60 minutes:
i. During these meetings we will be discussing student weaknesses all assessments given
ii. We will be matching student achievement and the grade level standards to help us monitor each student
4. We will be completing benchmark assessments quarterly:
a. At the beginning of the year all students will be assessed with a state diagnostic or other form of assessment
b. At the end of the first quarter the students will take a benchmark assessment and this data will be used to set the direction needed
c. Then at the end of the first semester we will again benchmark the students to see how much progress has been made
d. The final benchmark assessment will be given at the end of the third quarter. This should be a very good indication of where we are in terms of meeting our goal.
5. To help the IEP students reach our goal we plan is to use more inclusion, when possible. At this time I have created a schedule where the Title I teacher and the Intervention Specialist can be in the 1–3 classrooms to team teach. At the 4-6 grade level we will be using Mrs. Foster as an inclusion teacher. Within the schedule I have created common planning time for these teachers. This common planning time is critical in the success of our inclusion classes.
6. All third grade students will have mastered their multiplication and division facts.
7. We also set goals for Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. Each of these goals will match up with the Common Core Standards.
As you can see we have set our expectations high and have put a plan in place to help us meet these expectations.
Both Grover Hill and Payne 5th and 6th grade staff have been selected to receive a $25,000.00 grant for Science Slueth through America’s Farmers Grow Rural EducationSM, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. Growing the next generation is very important to farmers, and they realize that you are an integral part of that process. To show their appreciation, farmers in your area nominated you to receive this grant. After your application was submitted, it was reviewed first by math and science teachers from ineligible school districts, then by the America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education Advisory Council, a group of 26 prominent fanners from across the country. The Advisory Council was impressed with your dedication to your students and your innovative ideas for improving their educational experiences.
Payne Elementary Principal’s Report – Jody Dunham:
1. Building Updates:
a. The building is looking great for the start of the new school year. Thank you to Mr. Bill Childs and his summer crew of Jake Gerber and Blair Baumle for their hard work. Deb Simmerman will be in soon to complete the final touches to the building.
b. The six restrooms in the original part of the building have been updated. The walls and floor grout have been painted. The sinks have new magic eyes and faucets.
2. Wayne Trace High School Student Council President Blair Baumle organized and lead a team of high school students to complete the annual touch-up to the landscaping on the south and east sides of the building.
3. In June, Mrs. Michelle Berry, Mrs. Kay Head and Mrs. Tina Mead attended the Tech Conference held at Crestview. The teachers are already collaborating with their peers about new math programs, ways to use Google apps and Google Drive, and news ways to differentiate instruction, especially for the students identified as gifted and talented. The teachers will also be sharing new ways to use laptops as a means for immediate assessment.
4. Over the summer, Mrs. Brittany Brenneman, Mrs. Kim Coomer, Mrs. Tina Mead and Mrs. Alyssa Saylor attended two day trainings to become Resident Educator Mentors. We appreciate their willingness to share their knowledge when assisting new teachers.
5. Our special education classrooms will be restructured for the 2014-2015 school year.
a. The addition of the Cross Categorical classroom will allow the teachers to provide intentional instruction focused on the specific needs of the students. It has also reduced the special education class size number for Grades 4-6 so that more small group and individualized instruction will be feasible.
b. In Grades K-3, special education and Title 1 will be providing more inclusive instruction in the regular education setting to their students. Research has shown that peer modeling and full access to the general education classroom is beneficial for all young students. In addition to this instruction, these students will also receive specialized instruction from the Intervention Specialist. We have worked this into the schedule for 2014-2015.
c. Title 1 will be providing additional reading instruction to students in order to supplement the reading instruction already provided in the regular education setting.
6. In 2014-2015, WTPE will be targeting math facts acquisition with a focus on fluency and vocabulary acquisition which is directly linked to all reading skills. The teacher teams will be gathering and analyzing past and present data from 2013-2014 OAA results and from weekly instruction. These teams will meet by grade level and also meet with grade levels above and below to study trends.
7. The Blessings in a Bag program will be rolled out at the beginning of the school year. Students who qualify for the Free and Reduced lunch plan will have the opportunity to take home 2 prepackaged breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 snacks and 2 drinks for the weekend. Food distribution is planned to begin on Friday, September 19. This is a collaborative effort between WTPE, United Way, West Ohio Food Bank, Youth for Christ and the Payne Ministerial Association. Meals will be sent home 32 weeks during the school year. The cost to sponsor one child for the 2014-2015 school year is $112.00. Financial support may be sent to WTPE c/o Jody Dunham or to United Way of Paulding County.
8. Our Open House will be from 5:00-6:30 on Tuesday, August 19.
Jr./Sr. High School Principal’s Report Greg Leeth:
1. As was the situation last year, I have been meeting with teachers to prepare for the upcoming year; however, this August 1 have focused my meetings with staff who will be new to the junior/senior high building. I recently conducted a new teacher orientation with new teachers Kayla Gawronski (science), Ryan Fisher (intervention specialist – math), and Heather Roehm (intervention specialist – language arts). All three teachers are enthusiastic about beginning the school year; I believe they are excellent additions to the staff.
In addition to the three mentioned, I have also worked and/or met with Colleen Saylor, Mallory Diamond, and Vicky Etzler.
In total, nine of the 29 teachers and paraprofessionals in the building are in their first or second year in the junior/senior high building.
2. I have also attended the OHS SA parent meetings for football, cross country, golf, cheerleading, and volleyball to explain the drug testing policy. I believe the meetings have been informative and that concerns parents and students may have been addressed. The first round of drug testing will occur on
August 12 for all fall sport athletes.
3. Students are picking up schedules and laptop computers Monday through Wednesday of this week.
4. Open House is scheduled for August 19 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. utilizing the following format:
5:00-6:00 – general session
6:00-7:00 – 7th grade orientation
7:00-8:00 – 8th grade Washington D.C. meeting
5. Kenny Speice and custodial staff have done an incredible job preparing the building for the new year. In addition to the regular maintenance and cleaning that takes place every summer, Kenny coordinated special projects.
The following is a brief update:
The peroxide water system has significantly improved the water quality and has eliminated the sulphur odor in the building.
Treece Electric completed wiring that will enable the generator to operate more systems when there is a power outage. Previously, the generator ran the heating and lighting. Now, the generator will provide power for those systems and our water system, kitchen freezers, and communication system. Also, a second generator will be installed to handle our sewer system. We should be able to have a relatively normal day of school during a power outage.
The weight room has been relocated to what was once the industrial arts classroom and shop. The wall between what was the weight room and a small classroom has been removed to create one large wrestling room. This project enables the wrestling team to permanently move from the south balcony to the new wrestling room, the cheerleaders to move to the south balcony, and the baseball and softball team to have the north balcony. Previously, these sports shared practice areas, often resulting in practice conflicts.
New lockers (106 double-tier, 15” wide) have been installed in their place. To complete the project, 36 lockers next to the wrestling room were relocated. We have a total of 142 lockers in the freshman/sophomore hall. Areas where lockers are removed have been refinished with Smart Panels.
Both gym floors have been refinished and the high school gym has been painted.
The tile and terrazzo flooring in the hallways was refinished. While the flooring could not be restored to its original state, it does look significantly better.
Committee Reports: NONE
14-08-03 Consent Agenda Items:
A motion by Pat Baumle to approve the following consent agenda items: (less I., plus R-U)
A. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to grant an extended leave-of-absence under FMLA for Sarah Franz from approximately August 13, 2014-September 26, 2014;
B. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Vicki Etzler as part-time JH/HS study hall supervisor, beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
C. to accept the resignation of Vicki Etzler as a school bus driver, effective August 11, 2014;
D. to accept the resignation of Shawn Gerber as a JH football coach for the 2014-2015 school year;
E. to accept the resignation of Brian Yenser as a JH football coach for the 2014-2015 school year, and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, JH/HS Principal, and Athletic Director, to approve him as a volunteer football coach for the 2014-2015 school year;
F. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, JH/HS Principal, and Athletic Director, to adjust the contract for Dan Bland as a JH football coach to full salary for the 2014-2015 school year;
G. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer one-year supplemental contracts for the 2014-2015 school year to the following certified personnel:
• Tom McCord – Assistant HS Football
• Ryan Fisher – JH Football
• Bill Speller – Weight Room Supervisor
• Kerry Gudakunst – Washington, D.C. Trip Advisor
H. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and JH/HS Principal, to offer one-year supplemental contracts for the 2014-2015 school year to the following classified personnel:
• Ann Olwin – Girls Faculty Manager
• Katy Scarbrough – Jr. Class Activities Advisor/High School Concession Stand Manager (50%)
• Jeanne Seffemick – Jr. Class Activities Advisor/High School Concession Stand Manager (50%) and Junior High Concession Stand Manager
I. OMIT
J. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to approve a one-year limited contract for Amy Wannemacher as a Title I teacher at Divine Mercy School, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule based on verification of years of teacher experience;
K. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to approve a supplemental contract for Ken Speice as waste water treatment supervisor for the 2014-2015 school year;
L. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to establish the substitute rate for bus drivers at $14.22 per hour;
M. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Building Principals, to approve the staff and student handbooks for the 2014-2015 school year;
N. to commend our head custodians, groundskeepers, and summer workers, for preparing the school buildings and grounds for the upcoming school year;
O. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Director of Transportation, to approve all bus routes for the 2014-2015 school year and to grant the Superintendent authorization to adjust bus routes as necessary for the 2014-2015 school year;
P. to commend Tim Baker and his summer crew for having all buses pass state inspection on the first inspection;
Q. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to award milk bids to Arps Dairy and bakery bids to Nickols Bakery for the 2014-2015 school year;
R. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and Transportation Director, to offer a one-year contract to Camillia Kline as a bus driver, effective August 19, 2014, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
S. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Kim Troth as an aide, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
T. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and WTGH Principal, to offer a one-year contract to Brandi Godoy as a part-time cook, effective for the 2014-2015 school year, with placement on the salary schedule to be determined;
U. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to authorize the Superintendent to contract for the building of press boxes at the baseball and softball fields, not to exceed $28,000.
*Before we pass the consent resolution, are there any items you would like to move from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda for further discussion and/or for separate voting purposes?
Seconded by Perry Sinn. Roll Call Vote: Pat Baumle, Perry Sinn, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn, Dick Swary – All Aye.
14-08-04 Consent Agenda Item:
A motion by Dick Swary to approve the following consent agenda item:
I. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, to offer Tony Langhals a three-year administrative contract as Director of Students and Staff Services, effective August 1, 2014.
*Before we pass the consent resolution, are there any items you would like to move from the consent agenda to the discussion agenda for further discussion and/or for separate voting purposes?
Seconded by Duane Sinn. Roll Call Vote: Dick Swary, Duane Sinn, Pat Baumle, Lisa McClure – All Aye; Perry Sinn – Nay.
14-08-05:
“Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1), a motion by Pat Baumle to adjourn to executive session at 8:37 p.m. for the purpose of considering the employment of an employee of the School District.”
Seconded by Perry Sinn. Roll Call Vote: Pat Baumle, Perry Sinn, Lisa McClure, Duane Sinn, Dick Swary – All Aye.
Return from executive session at 9:04 p.m.
New Business: NONE
14-08-06:
A Motion by Lisa McClure to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Duane Sinn. Vote by acclamation of members Ayes have it — motion passed.
The next Board meeting will be held September 8, 2014 at 7:30 pm.
Lisa McClure, President Gary Ginter, Treasurer
