May 1, 2007

 

 

The Board of School Trustees of the Anderson Community School Corporation met in the Board Room of the Administration Center, 1229 Lincoln Street, Anderson, Indiana, at 6:00 p.m.  Mr. Millikan, President, called the meeting to order, made note that all Board members were present.

 

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 APRIL 17, 2007 AND APRIL 25, 2007 (Special)

 

Mr. Millikan asked for approval of the Minutes.  Mrs. Jones made a motion for approval of the April 17^th Minutes from the last meeting.  Mrs. Bohnenkamp seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

Mr. Millikan asked for approval of the Minutes from the April 25^th special meeting.  Mrs. Jones made a motion for approval of those Minutes.  Mr. Morgan seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

 

COMMENTS FROM PATRONS

 

ANDERSON ROBINSON RECONFIGURATION PLAN

Beth Clark, 3420 Debra Dr., Anderson, IN and Principal at Robinson Elementary School. 

“I believe tonight Mrs. Lowe will be sharing with the Board the proposed Reconfiguration Plan for Robinson and Anderson Elementary Schools.  Many students, particularly in Anderson Community School Title I buildings enter school for the first time in kindergarten with little experiential background that supports typical literacy development.  Recent research suggests that nearly 40% of new kindergarten students my come through the school house door with a 4 to 6 year lag in the skills needed to become a reader by grade 3.  Data recently shared by the Community Alliance to Promote Education (CAPE) suggests that in Madison County that percentage may approach 65%.  One student enter school even strong annual academic growth may leave students behind their better prepared grade level piers with little chance of catching up by following the current, typical, elementary instructional schedule and yearly calendar.  Curriculum and instructional practice must be matched to the presenting needs of students who make up membership in our highest poverty buildings.  Continuing with current practices for all students and expecting improved outcomes for our academically needier students does not hold high potential for success.  Despite strong and committed efforts on the part of many teachers, too many students are not making sufficient progress in literacy development.  Reforming early literacy instruction is not a simple effort.  Teachers must be prepared to identify reading and writing strengths and liabilities, use assessment data, then plan and implement effective literacy instruction based on individual needs of each and every student.  This type of instruction requires a model of prevention and early intervention rather than remediation.  It requires a systematic approach that includes a circular sequence of assess and diagnose, teach and re-teach, practice, apply and reassess.  The instruction must respond to the balance needs in the areas of phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, vocabulary development and fluency. 

 

The proposed reconfiguration at Robinson and Anderson Elementary is based on the opportunity to find the economies in personnel, time, schedule, materials, and instructional competence to provide students with the specific literacy instruction needed daily.  There is nothing inherently better about a K-2 configuration except that it provides those economies.  In this model, students would have the opportunity for small group instruction with specific skill and strategies focused on their current reading level for 30 minutes a day.  Secondly, each day students would be flexibly grouped for Core comprehensive reading instruction with the newly adopted Scott Foresman program.  Lastly, the most struggling students would have an opportunity for catch up growth on a daily basis.  The plan calls for increased professional development for teachers, increased accountability for monitoring student progress, and the immediate positive intervention to ensure each student is getting the instruction he or she needs in real time. 

 

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, 1015 Irving Way.

“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, 1214 Frances Lane.

“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 Tenth Street, yet no official information ever reached me about the second forum, and it was only by chance that I found about the uniform proposal in the first place.  When I asked several Board members and a specific ACS leader how parents who don’t receive the newspaper or have internet access were supposed to know about the uniform proposal or the public forums?  The answer I got was, “that’s not my problem”.  My suggestion that this kind of information should be sent home through each school was brushed aside.  I am very disappointed with the Board.  Not because I happen to oppose the uniform adoption, but more importantly, because the Board seems to have under mind the very foundation on which a relationship between elected representatives and the community they serve should be based.  In addition to the examples I have already mentioned, several weeks ago when I was trying to understand the Board perspective on the uniform proposal, more than one Board member specifically told me that they had already made up their minds, but I could tell them how I felt, “if it would make me feel better”.  I was shocked at that response, and I hop the entire Board realizes the impact such comments have had on my attitude this particular issue and towards the Board as a whole.

 

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, 1823 Cedar Street

“I have had a child in the Anderson Community School systems for 18 years.  I have had 3 graduate, one still there.  I have been to the Board meetings now 6 times this year over uniforms, and may I say I agree with Mrs. Sloss 100% about giving people time for the new changes in elementary.  I also agree with the last woman about our notification of Board meetings.  I have attended 6, like I said.  Most of the time I was told that it wasn’t on the agenda.  I was, however, allowed to speak when I did speak, but my problem is it seems that everybody has already decided.  My children feel it, other children feel it, and other parents feel it.  I’m surprised today of how many Anderson Community School kids showed up, only because of how many times they have been turned away.  They haven’t been listened to, and I’m glad that they are here today to stand up for themselves, not just one or two and I hope that you listen to them.  Like I said, my last one is graduating, last year; I’m not going to put in a whole lot of input.  He is going to have to decide, if you pass it, whether he goes with it or not, but I’m afraid a lot of kids are going to drop out of school because of this.  I have looked through the IPS portion of this.  It said that, I think it’s the third or fourth offense, they would be sent to alternative schools.  I think the alternative schools should be wearing the uniforms to begin with.  They are the ones not conforming to begin with.  They are breaking the rules on many levels, let alone dress codes.  Dress codes, I think can be guided by the administrators, by the teachers, by the school busses, by the janitors, or by the lunch ladies.  When I was a kid that’s how it was.  When I was in high school, Q95 came out with their favorite saying.  We wore them; we got Saturday work detail if we wore them.  What’s wrong with that?  I can understand parents have to make sure what their children are wearing, but we’re not always there, especially when they get older.  We’re at work, we trust their judgment.  They might wear something that inappropriate.  We trust that the teacher or someone is going to step in and let us know, or let that child know that’s inappropriate.  My son has been told once or twice before that he has worn something inappropriate and he has immediately changed, and not worn it again.  I think the dress code we have now is appropriate and should be regulated.  Somebody needs to do something about the one we have now, not worry about uniforms now.  That’s all I have to say on it.”

 

Mr. Millikan stated, “I have tried to point this out several times.  Dress codes are not enforceable in the courts of the United States of America, uniforms are.  Twice, the school system in Anderson has had 2 cases to the Supreme Court.  It was over a dress code, not uniforms, and both times they lost.  I read in the paper, “Why don’t you enforce the dress code you have now”?  If someone wants to take us to court, we’re going to lose.  Uniforms, the courts will uphold.  You kind of implied that when you come here, other kids, we don’t listen.  We listen to everything you say.  I may not agree with it, but I listen.  So, I think to accuse the Board of not listening is really erroneous, I think the Board takes everything people say seriously.  It doesn’t mean we have to agree with it.”

 

Mr. Millikan stated, “There is a great population of Anderson outside this room that didn’t come here to gripe.  Most of the people that come here gripe about something.  The vast majority don’t.” 

 

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, 1823 Cedar Street, and Junior Class President at Anderson High School

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.”

 

ANDERSON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

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 Anderson Federation of Teachers tried to give him money, he wouldn’t accept it.  He will be deeply missed by all, I assume.

 

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 Indiana University National Science Foundation, Math Science partnership newsletter”. 

 

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 Anderson $5000, and also Pendleton, another $5000, as well for academic issues for our schools. 

 

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 Indiana.

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.  Highland High School is expected to be completed by on or near June 15.  A punch list is being run at Anderson High School and is completing the inside of the building.  He stated that the following day a punch list would be run on the football building, the track, football field and all the outside facilities.  He said everything should be completed by the start of school in the fall.

 

Mr. Millikan announced the Open House for Anderson High School on the 17^th.  

 

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, “Anderson High and Highland both I visited last Friday.  I was just thrilled with out facilities.  The cafeteria at Anderson High alone is worth a visit by all of you.  I never saw any misrepresentation of students in any way.  If you just took time to go out there, even students, you can tell are acting different in the new schools.  So thank you for all you have done.”  She thanked Mr. Shockley for all he had done.

 

Mr. Shockley stated, “Highland High School the cafeteria will be fully in service within about 10 days.  The furniture is being installed there now.  We’re still eating in the blue commons, the food service lines are in service now, and have been for 2 or 3 months.  But, the cafeteria itself, we have reclaimed the space that we were using for the choir, and we have moved everybody out of there, and are putting the furniture now.  That will be fully in operation soon.”

 

Mr. Riffe stated, “I would like to compliment Mr. Shockley.  I had a couple of calls from Anderson High School.  We went out Thursday.  Mrs. Jones was there, and he was able to take care of the problem and the teachers were happy.”

 

Mrs. Jones asked Mr. Shockley about the lockers in the band area at Anderson High School.

 

Mr. Shockley stated, “We have not completed any of the band area at Anderson High School.  That’s part of Phase 3.  We’re planning now.  Actually, we have a meeting there with Mr. Nikirk and the staff of the affected areas on Thursday afternoon.  We’ll be able to solve the storage problems there.  There are additional lockers that we need to plan in the area.  We will address those in the meeting and we fully expect to improve that situation a lot.

 

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 Anderson Federation of Teachers as well as those appointed by the administration.  That committee has taken on kind of a new life over the last couple of years, primarily due to cost and the recognition that we need to bring about a  special awareness, not only of health concerns, but wellness and related.  The AFT and the School Corporation have worked cooperatively over the last couple of years. 

 

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 Anderson group health trends are running a probably 10 to 12 percent rate.  You have consistently beaten those odds.  You are fully reserved, required by the law.  You have really done a lot of very nice things.”

 

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 Indiana increased in many years zero, in some years 3%, but averaged over that same 5 year period a 1%.  Every dollar removed form the Health Plan to salary also increases retirement benefits for staff, because salary drives the PERF and TRF benefits.

 

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 12:00 PM, 5/8/07 through the end of the 2006-07 School Year.

 

 II. Human Resources – Additional Items

 

               Action

 

RESIGNATIONS

 

CERTIFIED

 

Amy Howie – Head Volleyball Coach – Anderson High School

Effective 2007 – 2008 School Year.

 

Lanesha Bolden – Third Grade Teacher – Edgewood Elementary

                        School – Effective end of 2006-07 School Year.

 

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	PORT HURON, MI	5/11-13/07	SEA CRUISE	ACS BUS	32	$30.00
EBBERTT EDUCATIONAL CENTER	MICHIGAN CITY, MI	5/23/2007	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	Louisville, KY	None		$1108.41 (PO)	524-22130-332-000	Jill	Gilliland	Ad. Bldg.
P.A.L.S.	5/18/2007	Cincinnati, OH	None		None		Michael	Shunneson	Ad. Bldg.
ELEMENTARY
IAPL	4/23/2007	Indianapolis, IN	1	375-22130-350-10	None