November 19, 2007

Transcribed 11/20/2007

 

 

A regular meeting of the Pittsford Area Schools Board of Education was held with Robert Clarke, Mike Fowler, Pete Wines, Denese Belson, David Billington and Cindy Fenton being present.  Brian Hoard was absent.

 

Mr. Shaw, Superintendent, and Mr. Pelham, High School Principal, were present from the administrative staff.

 

President Robert Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

 

Mr. Clarke asked the Board of Education and audience to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

A motion was made by Denese Belson and seconded by Cindy Fenton to waive the reading of the minutes and approve the October 15, 2007, regular meeting minutes.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

No visitors addressed the Board.

 

A motion was made by Pete Wines and seconded by Denese Belson to pay the bills.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

The softball and baseball teams received awards for their sportsmanship during last year’s tournaments.

 

Some of the district’s National Honor Society (NHS) members are tutoring elementary students after school.  This was organized by Mrs. Plessinger and the NHS students. It is going very well and the students are doing a great job.

 

Ms. Christine Ward, from the accounting firm of Willis & Jurasek, presented the district audit for the year ending June 30, 2007.  The district received an unqualified opinion, the highest level of assurance issued on audited financial statements.

 

A motion was made by Dave Billington and seconded by Pete Wines that the Board of Education accept the audit for the year ending June 30, 2007, as presented.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Shaw stated that community meetings would be scheduled to discuss the sinking fund millage once the State of Michigan has decided when the primary election would be held.

 

Board of Education terms to expire this year are Brian Hoard and Dave Billington.  Anyone interested in seeking a seat at the May 6, 2008, election must file an Affidavit of Identity and a nominating petition by 4:00 p.m. on Feburary 12, 2008, with the Hillsdale County Clerk’s office.

 

Mr. Shaw discussed new legislation regarding insurance pooling and bidding, along with how it will affect the district.

 

Mr. Shaw read an e-mail he received from Mrs. Sphar, Spanish Teacher, complementing the 53 students she took on a field trip to Jackson.  She said the students were polite and well behaved and made her “Pittsford Proud”.

 

A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Denese Belson that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Mr. Robert Pease as Bus and Building/Grounds Supervisor effective December 31, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Pete Wines and seconded by Denese Belson that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Mrs. Brenda Pease as Para Pro and Bus Driver effective December 31, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Denese Belson that the Board of Education accept the resignation of Ms. Michelle Staggs as fourth grade teacher effective December 31, 2007.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington that the Board of Education approve the hiring of Jessica Burkhart as Girl’s Junior Varsity Basketball coach for the 2007-2008 season.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

A motion was made by Dave Billington and seconded by Pete Wines that the Board of Education allow Mrs. Beth Town to continue planning a trip in late March to Washington D.C. for NHS members.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Shaw reported that MEAP testing has been completed and shipped, including the 5th and 6th grade re-testing.  Pittsford Prowling was held on October 31st and was well attended.  An honor roll assembly was held on November 16th.  Of the 182 students in the third through sixth grade, 88 made the honor roll and 21 of those had all A’s.  The Christmas Concert will be held on December 20th at 1 p.m.  The Mega Event will be held December 14th in the big gym.

 

Mr. Pelham reported that most students are doing well as we enter the second nine weeks of school, and that the district has only one student on the county truancy list.  The district received its second Smart Board with assistance from Mr. Clark, Pittsford math instructor, and Mr. Dillion from the ISD.  The board will be used by Mr. Clark to enhance instruction in his classes.

 

Becky Town, student representative, presented the results of a survey she conducted asking, “what people think about the earlier start time”.  Of those surveyed, 16 % like the earlier start time, 42% don’t like the earlier start time, and 42% did not care.

 

A motion was made by Dave Billington and seconded by Mike Fowler to adjourn at 8:07 p.m. The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

___________________________________

Denese Belson, Secretary

Board of Education