The Board of School Trustees of the Anderson Community
School Corporation met in the Board Room of the
MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION
Attendees observed a moment of silent reflection.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Attendees stood for the Pledge to the Flag.
ROLL CALL
The following members were present:
Keith Millikan............................................................................................
President
Tobi Jones..........................................................................................
Vice President
Teddy Bohnenkamp.................................................................. Assistant
Secretary
Philip T. Morgan...........................................................................
Board Member
William Riffe..................................................................................
Board Member
Note: Douglas Vermillion was not present (resigned)
Bishop Scott was absent
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES OF
Mr. Millikan asked
for approval of the Minutes. Mrs. Jones
made a motion for approval of the April 17th Minutes from the last
meeting. Mrs. Bohnenkamp seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
Mr. Millikan asked
for approval of the Minutes from the April 25th special meeting.
Mrs. Jones made a motion for approval of those Minutes.
Mr. Morgan seconded the motion. Motion
carried.
COMMENTS FROM PATRONS
Beth Clark,
“I believe tonight
Mrs. Lowe will be sharing with the Board the proposed Reconfiguration Plan
for Robinson and
The proposed reconfiguration
at Robinson and
I believe this plan
holds potential for increased academic achievement for students in these two
buildings. Robinson and Anderson represent
attendance areas with the highest poverty levels in the district. Student populations in these buildings are racially,
ethically and linguistically diverse. Students
in these buildings are typical of the data we have all seen that represents
low academic achievement. Tonight is
the night; the time is now as educators, Board members and citizens of this
community we must chart a new course for the students in these two schools
and in the district. Please accept
the challenge and decide tonight to give our youngest learners the highest
level of potential for success. Thank
you.”
Donna Sloss,
“I’m speaking as a
parent on tonight about the plan that was just proposed, the re-constructing
of the schools. I feel from a parent’s
point of view that it is a good plan, but it’s a little rushed. Give parents time to hear and research the plan.
A suggestion, maybe this summer have some workshops or locations where
parents can come, ask questions, get statistics and see in black and white
how the plan works. It’s important to have parental support. Anything for our children that are going to
be life altering, you don’t want to just rush it. At the same time you don’t want to take 2 and
3 years to consider a plan, but give the parents time to at least consume
it, chew it, digest it, and hear about it.
There are many foods that are good for us, but if we rush and hurry
and don’t swallow them, they’re not going to do us any good. Just give parents time to learn more about the
program. Consider the full package
in this reconstruction. There will
be a lot of parents who won’t be able to provide transportation and childcare. I’m fortunate enough where that won’t be a major
problem for my home, but consider the parents who can’t get their children
on the school bus, if they miss the school bus, how will they get there?
This will affect attendance, and you need children there for this plan
to work. Just consider giving the parents
a little bit more time. I feel like it is a good plan. Whatever if for the children, I want it to work.
We don’t want to stand in the way of that.
We as parents can work around things, but give parents time to hear
more about it, and I believe it really is a good plan, but give us time to
consume it a little. Thank you.”
DRESS CODE
Andrea Kirkpatrick,
“I wish to state for
the record that I am against the adoption of a school uniform in the elementary
schools. I am realistic enough, however,
and perhaps cynical enough to know that anything I might say tonight about
the uniform issue is not going to sway the vote of any Board member. Instead, I wish to address the broader concern
of how this particular issue was handled. Contrary to the response I have received from
some of our School Board members, I would hope that it is the goal of the
Board to elicit parent support of any proposal by opening seeking and giving
careful consideration to our views and concerns.
My husband and I and parents like ourselves have faith in, support
and are actively involved in our local educational system. Remember that we are your allies and our partnership
with you is vital to ensuring that all of our children succeed.
I expect that the Board would attempt to adopt a style of interaction
with us that genuinely seeks out our cooperation rather than assumes our opposition.
I encourage you to find ways to engage us as partners in a common cause.
Unfortunately, with regard to school uniforms, we parents seem to have
been treated as obstacles standing in your way. Forums
supposedly inviting input from parents were held on short notice, if parents
were notified at all. Only one of the
two forums was held at a time that working could reasonably attend.
The Board also did not follow through on their promises to give parents
a chance to hear from local retailers concerning uniform costs and availability.
I am an active and involved parent at
In the future, please
remember that when we are approached with honesty, sincerity and respect,
we are not obstacles, road blocks or pot holes on the Board’s chosen path. We have experiences, insights, education, skills
and knowledge that deserve respect and consideration. When we are brought into the decision making
process as valuable and contributing participants, we become assets whose
worth cannot be measured.”
Dawn Sheets,
“I have had a child
in the
Mr. Millikan stated,
“I have tried to point this out several times.
Dress codes are not enforceable in the courts of the
Mr. Millikan stated,
“There is a great population of
Ms. Sheets stated,
“I don’t feel like I’m griping because I have lived in the same house for
17 years, and have never moved. Three
of my children went to 3 different elementary schools because the boundary
zones changed. My youngest son went
to 2 middle schools because of the boundary zone change, so I don’t think
I’m griping. I’m just here trying to
state the fact. I went along for years.
I support the School Board. I usually
call and talk on the phone to somebody at the School Board. Now when I call, it’s like nobody listens.
Like I said, maybe it’s just that we’re not being heard.
That’s all I have to say about it.”
Ricky Sheets,
Mr. Sheets stated
that he was strongly opposed to the uniform policy.
He was concerned that
the special meeting to vote on the new superintendent was not publicized enough.
Mr. Millikan stated,
“We’re supposed to notify by paper, that’s the law, 48 hours in advance.”
Mr. Sheets stated
he was not aware of the meeting and that he is very active in the school community.”
No comments
Mr. Millikan stated,
“At this time before we get into the regular agenda, I have a letter to read,
addressed to the President of the Board:
‘Mr. Millikan,
The increasing time
demands of serving as a school board member, coupled with the numerous other
obligations to which I am fully committed, have led to a growing frequency
of time conflicts that prevents me from fulfilling all of my commitments to
the best of my ability and to my personal standards of performance. Accordingly, after long and careful consideration
of my personal, professional, and public obligations, I find it in the best
of all interests to resign my position as a school trustee effective immediately.
I wish to express
my heartfelt appreciation to all affiliated with our community and with the
Anderson Community Schools for their dedicated efforts on behalf of our children.’
Respectfully,
Douglas M. Vermillion
Mr. Millikan stated,
“I would like to say, my 15 years on the Board, Mr. Vermillion was probably
one of the most dedicated and professional individuals that had ever served. Besides being a teacher for over 30 years, he
also taught the SAT class for year after year, and I can remember when the
school system tried to give him money, he wouldn’t accept it. When the
SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS
Mrs. Lowe stated that
it was sad news to hear of Mr. Vermillion’s resignation.
Mrs. Lowe congratulated
Angie Kelich on her picture and article “The Importance to Articulation between
Elementary and Secondary” that was placed, in the
Mrs. Lowe presented
a $5000 check donated by the Stellar Foundation.
The Stellar group is the designers and the engineers that are doing
the Nestle Project. They gave
Mrs. Lowe stated that
the State Legislation gave an announcement about the full-day kindergarten
which just says the State Department will be in communication with superintendents
next week. It will be a grant proposal.
They will let us know how we go about that, if we decide to apply for
that; how it will impact Title I funds, parent paid kindergarten classes,
other grants or general fund dollars. It’s
not exactly all the information right now to be able to tell whether or not
we’re going to be able to participate, and if so, to what level.
It appears by some time next week we will have that information, and
we will be able to get that out to parents, because many of them are wondering
about the kindergarten issue.
Mr. Millikan stated
when there is a vacancy on the School Board, which there is now, anyone interested
may apply. The Board will fill the
vacancy.
Mrs. Lowe stated that
she thought there was a timeline. She
said that she would check with our attorney, and would share the information
with the newspaper to ensure that we follow the right procedures and timeline.
Mr. Millikan stated
that we have districts, and Mr. Vermillion represented the Central or Anderson,
as it used to be called, but there was a court challenge in one election,
and when we check with our attorney it may be such that you may not have to
be except some place in the Anderson School District. If that’s the case it would be noted in the
newspaper.
Mrs. Bohnenkamp said
the she represented the Central District and she believed Mr. Vermillion represented
the South.
Mrs. Jones said the
decision on that court case was that you have to live in the district at the
time you apply, in specific district that you’re representing, and the Corporation
for at least a year before that.
TEXTBOOK ADOPTION
Mrs. Burrows presented
a recommendation to adopt materials for the AP English Language and Composition
class.
Mr. Millikan asked
Mrs. Burrows if these had to go through the regular review as provided by
the state.
Mrs. Burrows stated
for AP courses these are not on a state approved adoption list. They are recommended in the courses that are
taught for AP teachers in the State of
Mrs. Jones made a
motion for approval of the textbooks recommended by Mrs. Burrows, seconded
by Mr. Riffe. Motion carried.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Mr. Shockley stated
construction is progressing nicely at both buildings for our high schools.
Mr. Millikan announced
the Open House for
Mr. Shockley stated
there are some punch list items that are yet to be completed, but those are
getting smaller everyday. He mentioned
some things that are going to be done this summer.
Mrs. Bohnenkamp stated,
“
Mr. Shockley stated,
“
Mr. Riffe stated,
“I would like to compliment Mr. Shockley.
I had a couple of calls from
Mrs. Jones asked Mr.
Shockley about the lockers in the band area at
Mr. Shockley stated,
“We have not completed any of the band area at
EMPLOYEE HEALTH PLAN
Mr. Kevin Brown stated,
“For some number of years the Anderson Community Schools have had an insurance
committee that has operated for the well being for entire staff covered by
the health plan that we have. It’s
composed of members appointed by the
Mr. Brown introduced
two consultants, one hired by the AFT, one by the Corporation. They were Mr. Richard Sutton of R.E. Sutton
and Associates, and Mr. Doug Cassman of Educational Services Company.
Mr. Sutton stated,
“We appreciate the opportunity to be here with you this evening to give you
a brief update about your health insurance plan.
It’s my privilege to be here, to be able to work with
Mr. Sutton gave a
brief review of the Employee Health Plan packet that was passed out to the
Board members showing the past 3 year’s activities, plan changes and the financial
impact of those changes and update on current activities. Those were the IRIS Program that was recently
added, a Trust that was put into place to protect assets and the Fix Option
#2. He also discussed items that will be worked
on in the future; the possibility of an on site clinic, continuing to watch
legislation, both State and Federal that could impact group health plans particularly
with school corporations.
Mr. Cassman stated,
“Health insurance is the number one challenge that businesses and institutions
have throughout this Country.”
While referring to
the Employee Health Plan packet, he discussed the reason for the implementation
of the cost sharing of the program and that it was critical to having a buy-in
of that Health Insurance Plan. It is
important that employees pay a share of the Plan so they are sensitive to
the cost of the Plan. He said that
the cost has increased 3% per year for the Corporation.
The State support that Anderson Community Schools receive from the
State of
Mr. Sutton stated,
“Doug and I working together probably represent the vast majority of schools
in the State. I don’t know that either
one of us could point to another school in the State that’s self funded that
has had your level of success, and that’s a lot of schools.”
Mr. Cassman questions
from a patron regarding the Health Plan.
FINANCIAL REPORT
CLAIMS
Mr. Brown directed the Board’s attention to page 2 for
the recommendation to approve claims numbered 2175 through 2560.
Mrs. Bohnenkamp moved for approval of the claims, seconded
by Mrs. Jones. Motion carried.
HUMAN RESOURCES REPORT
Mr. Dickerson asked to direct the Boards attention to
page 3 for approval of the report.
II. Human Resources
A. Action
LEAVES
CERTIFIED
Molly Breckenridge – English
Teacher – North Side Middle
School – Maternity Leave – Effective
at
II. Human Resources – Additional Items
Action
RESIGNATIONS
CERTIFIED
Amy Howie – Head Volleyball
Coach –
Effective 2007 – 2008 School
Year.
Lanesha Bolden – Third Grade
Teacher –
Mrs. Jones moved for approval, seconded by Mr. Riffe.
Motion carried.
OUT–OF-TOWN AND/OR OVERNIGHT FIELD TRIPS
Mr. Lennon Brown directed
the Board’s attention to pages 4 and 5 for approval of field trips and conference
leaves.
| SCHOOL |
DESTINATION |
DATE |
EVENT |
TRAVEL |
NO. STUDENTS |
COST TO STUDENTS |
| EBBERTT
EDUCATIONAL CENTER |
|
5/11-13/07 |
SEA
CRUISE |
ACS
BUS |
32 |
$30.00 |
| EBBERTT
EDUCATIONAL CENTER |
|
|
US
COAST GUARD STATION |
ACS
BUS |
50 |
$10.00 |
Mr. Riffe made a motion
for approval, seconded by Mrs. Jones. Motion
carried.
CONFERENCE
LEAVES
| CONFERENCE TITLE |
DATES |
LOCATION |
SUB |
SUB ACCT NUMBER |
COST |
COST ACCT NUMBER |
FIRST NAME |
LAST NAME |
BUILDING |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ADMINISTRATION |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CEC |
4/18,19,20 |
|
None |
|
$1108.41 ( |
524-22130-332-000 |
Jill |
Gilliland |
Ad. Bldg. |
| P.A.L.S. |
|
|
None |
|
None |
|
Michael |
Shunneson |
Ad. Bldg. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ELEMENTARY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| IAPL |
|
|
1 |
375-22130-350-10 |
None |
|