January 19, 2009
Transcribed 01/20/2009
Regular meeting of the Pittsford Area Schools Board of Education was held with Robert Clarke, Pete Wines, Denese Belson, David Billington, Craig Armstrong, Mike Fowler, and Cindy Fenton being present.
Mr. Shaw, Superintendent and Elementary Principal and Mr. T.G. Cook, High School Principal were present from the administrative staff.
President Robert Clarke called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and asked the audience to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Denese Belson and seconded by Pete Wines to waive the reading of the minutes and approve the December 15, 2008, regular meeting minutes. The motion carried (unanimous).
Mr. Cook shared with the Board that 84% (101 students) in our 7th and 8th grades have received over 25 points each in an Accelerated Reader contest. They will be treated to an ice cream social for a job well done.
A motion was made by Denese Belson and seconded by Pete Wines to pay the bills. The motion carried (unanimous).
Mr. Shaw reported that the football team has received academic all-state honors. The Michigan High School Football Coaches Association has honored Sheldon Culbert for his long time commitment to our chain gang. Mr. Shaw thanked the custodians for their help over Christmas break in repainting the halls.
A motion was made by Pete Wines and seconded by Denese Belson to support the Hillsdale County Intermediate School District Headlee Override ballot proposal to restore their Special Education millage to 3-mills. The motion carried (unanimous).
Mr. Shaw reported that energy use is down, but that rates are up. The district is still saving due to everyone working hard to keep lights off, etc.
The district’s school of choice numbers are 195.67 students coming in and 87.17 students going out for a net gain of 108.50.
Work on the heating system was completed over Christmas break.
Mr. Shaw explained to the Board that there is talk about an economic stimulus package possibly coming from the Federal Government that would focus on schools. He is preparing a list of projects in the event this should happen.
Due to the winter weather school closings, we have 6.5 hours left until we will have to make-up days. A plan will be laid out should we have to make up time.
We will be accepting lawn bids for the 2008/09 school year. Bids are due into the Superintendent’s office by 11:00 a.m. on February 18, 2009.
Superintendent evaluation forms were given to the Board to prepare for Mr. Shaw’s annual evaluation that will take place on February 23, 2009.
With January being School Board Recognition Month, Mr. Shaw presented the Board of Education with certificates in appreciation for their service and dedication to Pittsford Area Schools and its students.
A motion was made by Denese Belson and seconded by Mike Fowler to approve participation in the Great School Readiness Program. The motion carried (unanimous).
There was discussion about the possibility of restoring the district’s 18-mill non-homestead levy with a Headlee Override millage. No action was taken.
Mr. Shaw reported that there have been several indoor recesses due to the recent frigid temps. The elementary is gearing up for “March is Reading Month”.
First semester has ended. Mr. Cook will hold honor roll assemblies on January 23rd. Homecoming is the week of January 26-30, with many activities planned. The process has been started in scheduling students for the 2009-2010 school year. Due to recent weather conditions, Mr. Cook suggested checking the school website for updates of rescheduled ball games.
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington to go into executive session at 7:40 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington to come out of executive session at 7:45 p.m. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. The motion carried (unanimous).
_____________________________________________
Denese Belson, Secretary
Board of Education