November 17, 2008
Transcribed 11/18/2008
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 7:05 p.m. and asked the audience to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Denese Belson and seconded by Dave Billington to waive the reading of the minutes and approve the October 20, 2008, regular meeting minutes. The motion carried (unanimous).
Mr. Shaw reported that he has been working with the K-5 teachers on a new phonics program that they will be using in the classrooms.
A motion was made by Pete Wines and seconded by Cindy Fenton to pay the bills. The motion carried (unanimous).
Mr. Shaw brought to the Board of Education’s attention that an article about one of Pittsford’s former students, Tim Fether, was published by Siena Heights University for winning one of only four national math scholarships. Tim recognized teacher Darick Clark for changing the way he thought about math.
Mr. Shaw informed the Board that the bleachers the district acquired from Fayette Schools have been removed and are now on our premises. He extended a huge thank you to Craig Wyatt, Chris Hodos, T.G. Cook, Tracy O’Haver, Randy Elliott, and Bryce Crawford for their help.
Mr. Shaw has spoken with Stan Clingerman of the County Road Commission about the clearing of the roads this winter due to budget cuts at the state level. Mr. Clingerman said they would be salting intersections, hills and plowing one-path on secondary roads. They will be cutting down on overtime.
The Hillsdale County Intermediate School District will be holding a countywide special education election in May. This is an election that Pittsford Area Schools is supporting.
All data has been loaded and training will begin on the new Honeywell system. It should be up and running the week of November 25th.
Mr. Shaw gave the Board of Education an itemized list of what the district has purchased from Fayette Schools besides the bleachers.
Mr. Shaw presented the Board of Education with the monthly update on the district’s energy usage of natural gas, electric, and diesel fuel.
There was continued discussion about whether to pursue a policy about random drug testing of all our students or not. Mr. Shaw and Mr. Cook are working to put a policy together.
At our annual election, to take place on May 5th, there will be two seats open. They are Mike Fowler and Cindy Fenton. Petitions are available at the county clerk’s office and are due in early February.
The track has been repaired and the work was completed on November 3rd. The Athletic Boosters paid for these repairs.
Mr. Shaw reported that the district’s multi-trust funds were not FDIC insured, but are invested in the U.S. Governmental agencies with the underlying agency being the U.S. Treasury Department.
President Clarke called a short recess at 8:00 p.m. The meeting resumed at 8:13 p.m.
A motion was made by Robert Clarke and seconded by Craig Armstrong to hire Sensible Construction of Allen, Michigan to complete the tuck-pointing project at a cost of $7,232 using a Duro-Last covering over the portion of the roof and parapet wall. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Denese Belson to hire Heather Monahan as a full-time 1st grade, reduced class size teacher in the A.M. and middle school intervention teacher in the P.M. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Pete Wines and seconded by Dave Billington to hire Trish Weaver as homebound teacher for one our high school students. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Dave Billington and seconded by Denese Belson to hire Howell’s Mechanical to complete the boiler project at a cost of $8,635 with noted exceptions and parameters. The motion carried (unanimous).
The first elementary honor roll assembly was held on Friday, November 14th. The elementary is gearing up for a lot of activities in the coming weeks. Mr. Shaw, Karrie Hughes, and Heather Monahan will be going to Marshall to make an RTI presentation on November 19th. President Clarke spoke on behalf of the Parents Club to thank the students and parents for supporting the Box Top campaign. Coupons totaled $406.
Mr. Cook honored 88 high school students and 70 middle school students at an honor roll assembly on November 14th. He noted that this is roughly 42% of our student population. The fall athletic season is under way. The varsity football team advanced to the District Championship and lost to Mendon. Elainee Poling and Brent Smith qualified for the State Finals. Brent Smith ran to an All-State finish. Volleyball closed their season winning the Consolation Bracket in the SCAA Tournament. There will be a Pittsford employee Christmas dinner at the Hillsdale Moose Lodge on December 20th.
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington to go into executive session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss disciplinary action. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Dave Billington to come out of executive session at 9:00 p.m. The motion carried (unanimous).
A motion was made by Mike Fowler and seconded by Cindy Fenton to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m. The motion carried (unanimous).
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Denese Belson, Secretary
Board of Education