SEPTEMBER 9, 2003

 

            The Board of School Trustees of the Anderson Community School Corporation met in the Auditorium of the Administration Center, 1229 Lincoln Street, at 6:00 p.m.  Mr. Brian Bays, President, called the meeting to order.

 

REFLECTION/PLEDGE

 

            Attendees observed a moment of silent reflection and then stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

ROLL CALL

 

            The following members were present:

 

Brian H. Bays...................................................................................................... President

Patricia L. Gaither................................................................................... Vice President

Tobi K. Jones.................................................................................................... Secretary

James F. Ault................................................................................... Assistant Secretary

Jean L. Chaille...................................................................................... Board Member

Keith Millikan......................................................................................... Board Member

Irma Hampton Stewart....................................................................... Board Member

 

Administrators attending the meeting were:

 

Timothy D. Long.................................................................................... Superintendent

Mikella Lowe........................................................................ Assistant Superintendent

Lynn Black................................................ Director Curriculum/Staff Development

Kevin J. Brown................................................................................. Business Manager

Lennon C. Brown.................................................. Principal, Highland High School

Finger, Mark.......................................... Assistant Principal, Highland High School

Randall Lee..................................................................... Assistant Business Manager

Elizabeth Pritchett........................................................... Director Special Education

Roger Shockley........................................... Dir. Facilities, Health, Safety & Capitol

..................................................................................................... Projects Management

JoDean Washington......................................... Ex. Dir. Community Development

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

            Mrs. Lowe requested the addition of a field trip and personnel items on page 16.  Dr. Long requested the addition of the hiring of W. R. Dunkin, for the East Side Elementary School project-which would be addressed under the Architectural Update agenda item.

 

COMMENTS FROM PATRONS

 

            Mr. Shawn Gregg, 2104 Park Avenue, reported he appreciated the new schools in Anderson, but was concerned about low test scores.  Mr. Gregg requested cutting any unnecessary programs until the scores were at least equal to or above the national average.  Mr. Gregg was in favor of one new high school, rather than refurbishing the existing two high schools.

 

            Ms. German, Madison County NAACP Education Chairman, questioned changes in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and requested a copy of last year’s book to compare any changes.  Mrs. Lowe will get that information to Ms. German.

 

            Ms. Tobi Jones, Board of School Trustees member, referred to an article in U S A Today, quoting First Lady Laura Bush as requesting cash-strapped states to spare funds for the teachers’ salaries from any necessary budget cuts. Ms. Jones is concerned about the number of job applicants that have gone elsewhere and not come to Anderson.  Ms. Jones felt the budget cuts have cut too deeply into the staff; that ACS has rising enrollment but  a lowering  in staff numbers.  Ms. Jones asked for consideration that two classes with 30 students and aides, be split into three classes with teachers and no aides.  Ms. Jones urged everyone to get to the bargaining table and resolve the issue.

 

            Mr. Jim Janes, 705 Oxford Road, expressed his concern over the tax reassessment and the impact this will have on taxpayers.  Mr. Janes urged

caution on all costs until the taxpayers have better information on the reassessment.

 

            Ms. Sheryl Myers, a Highland High School science teacher,  spoke of the antiquated phone system at Highland High School that does not even allow her to call the administration center.  Ms. Myers reported buying paper and ink jets for student supplies out of pocket.  Ms. Myers also reported teaching in very hot conditions in the summer and 60 degree temperatures in the winter.  Ms. Myers urged addressing the crumbling high school buildings.

 

            Mr. Thom Earl, proposed renaming the football field at Anderson High School to the James Sutton Field.  This would honor past Anderson High School principal and later-Assistant Superintendent, Mr. James Sutton. 

 

ANDERSON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

 

            Mr. Muir reported a Board Member’s comment earlier this evening, regarding a 1950’ish situation.  Mr. Muir stated it was a shame  that people have to stand up for what they deserve.  Mr. Muir reported his honor at being appointed to the Governor’s Indiana Education Roundtable. Mr. Muir reported he had requested release time to attend these roundtable meetings, and this release was denied. Mr. Muir then chose not to attend the next meeting due to lost wages if he did attend.  The future meetings for this roundtable will be in September, October, November and December and would start at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Muir would request leaving Anderson at 12:00 noon.  Mrs. Stewart responded her hope that the administration would meet with Mr. Muir for a reasonable conversation with regard to this issue.  Mr. Millikan reported this would not cost ACS one dime, and that ACS should be honored to have Mr. Muir serve.  Mr. Bays reported the real question is ACS’s responsibility and stated that Mr. Muir could attend and take deduct days.  Mr. Bays opinion was that it should be without pay. 

 

            Mr. Millikan moved to grant Mr. Muir time to attend the Governor’s Indiana Education Roundtable.  Mrs. Jones seconded the motion.

 

            Mrs. Stewart moved to table the motion.  Mrs. Gaither seconded.  The move to table was voted yes by: Mr. Ault, Mr. Bays, Mrs. Chaille, Mrs. Gaither, and Mrs. Stewart.  The move to table was voted no by:  Mrs. Jones and Mr. Millikan.  Mr. de la Bastide of the Herald Bulletin, requested information on all 2003 leaves for administrators, by name and cost. 

 

 

 

 

POLICY FORMATION READING

 

            The Board, once again, addressed policies and made the following suggestions. 

 

            0140, page 8 of 11:  Mrs. Stewart wanted to omit “ONLY” in phrase, “Act only upon the recommendation of the Superintendent”.  Dr. Long reported “ONLY” allows for a consistent point of contact to be with the Superintendent.  The board agreed to the following: “In order to maintain such desirable relationships, the Board should act upon the recommendation of the Superintendent as to employment and dismissal matters.”  

 

            144.3, page 9 of 11: Change from “by July 15th meeting” to, “Annually during the month of July.”

 

            151.1: Finance committee of the Board and the financial officers of the corporation were discussed with no suggested change in wording.

 

0166: “Mail the agenda four days” should be “four working days.”

 

0175: Clarify wording to be: “shall be eligible for reimbursement of expenses in accordance with the policy of the corporation.”  (this refers to policy of 0144.1)

 

1028 HEARING

 

Dr. Long announced the purpose of this hearing was to give the public information about the proposed High School Rejuvenation Project.  The first phase of this project would involve the majority of classrooms at both Anderson High School and Highland High School.  The rejuvenation of these buildings would allow for no lost instructional time for students due to heat/cold issues that are faced at this current time.  Rejuvenated high schools would attract families to Anderson and the rejuvenation would bring both facilities into line.  Dr. Long reported the low interest rates at this time would be a positive for going ahead with Phase I of this project. 

 

Proposed plans showed relocating the football track at Highland High School and the new academic portion of the building.  The Anderson High School plan showed the front of the building, toward Madison Avenue, would be the new construction.  The track/football field would remain in the same location.  The Phase I plan shows Anderson High School with 315,000 square feet and Highland High School with 323,000 square feet.  The initial part of Phase I would be to air condition the areas as quickly as possible. The total construction (hard) costs for both facilities for Phase I is listed at $32,600,000.00 and this figure is not to exceed $40,000,000.

 

Dr. Long recommended the use of an Owner’s Representative for this project and recommended Mr. Richard Banks for that job.    Mr. Sid Baker, of Indiana Public Finance Group, reported the State Property Tax Control Board set standards for reasonable fee structures for the architects, attorney’s, underwriters and loose equipment for any project.  The size of the bond issue is listed at $40m, with the lease term being 24 years.  The interest rate is listed at 5.94%, with the range of rates between 3.75% and 6.50%.  The average annual lease payment would be $4,238,826. The estimated property tax impact on a $75,000 assessed value home would be an annual increase of $74.37, with a monthly increase of $6.20.  Dr. Long reported working with six corporate sponsors for alternative financing.

Patron Mr. Shawn Gregg felt renovating the two high schools was not a long-term solution  and that the job needed to be done right the first time.

 

An unnamed patron from the audience questioned what is done with any leftover money.  Dr. Long responded that other options on the project could then be looked at and added to if there was leftover money. 

 

Mr. de la Bastide, of the Herald Bulletin, questioned the viability of the buildings if only Phase I was completed.  Staff answered that everything would still be very usable if only Phase I was completed. 

 

Mr. Mark Finger, assistant principal of Highland High School, reported his work on the last bond issue addressing the high schools and the lack of success with that drive. In the years since that bond drive, the facilities have not improved and staff and students still have problems with heat and cooling.   Mr. Finger stated the urgency for the Phase I project to begin. 

 

Mr. Muir, of the Anderson Federation of Teachers, questioned extra acreage at the Anderson Elementary School plus an empty home sitting on the Erskine property and wondered about the time-frame for sale of same.

Dr. Long responded the objective would be to sell sooner than later.

 

            Mr. Jack Larimore, an Anderson Community School employee, reported the need for more technology support for the corporation. 

 

            Mr. Thom Earl questioned new square footage in Phase I. Anderson High School is listed at 135,000 with Highland High School at 132,000.

 

            Following no more audience questions, the 1028 Hearing was closed by Mr. Bays, President of the Board.

 

EXHIBIT A

1028 RESOLUTION

 

            WHEREAS, the Anderson Community School Corporation board of School Trustees at a regular meeting on July 22, 2003, determined to hold a public hearing on September 9, 2003, in accordance with I.C. 20-5-52-2 for the purpose of answering questions and listening to taxpayers’ comments and any evidence they may present about the proposed renovation of and improvements to the Anderson High School and Highland High School buildings (the “Project”); and

           

            WHEREAS, the Anderson Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees has carefully studied all of the known options and feels that the proposed Project is in the best interest of the present and future students to be served by these facilities; now therefore

 

            BE IT RESOLVED, that the Project will be constructed for the purpose of providing an improved educational program and environment for students;

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the projected cost of the renovation of and improvements to Anderson High School is $16,300,000 and the projected cost of the renovation of and improvements to Highland High School is $16,300,000 and projected nonconstruction costs of $7,400,000 resulting in total project costs of $40,000,000;

 

 

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the projected $40,000,000 will be funded by one or more of the following:  Capital Projects Fund, Common School Fund Loan, General Obligation Bond Issue, and Building Corporation Bond Issue with an anticipated impact on the Debt Service Fund tax rate of 20.1 cent per $100 assessed valuation based on an estimated $1,525,000,000 assessed valuation beginning in 2004.

 

Passed and adopted this 9th day of September, 2003.

 

            On a motion by Mr. Ault, seconded by Mrs. Chaille, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 1028 Resolution.

 

EXHIBIT B

PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION RESOLUTION

 

            WHEREAS the Anderson Community School Corporation (the “School Corporation”) published notice of a preliminary determination hearing on August 19, 2003 in the Anderson Herald Bulletin and Elwood Call-Leader and mailed such notice to any organizations requesting such notice as provided in Indiana Code 6-1.1-20-3.1; and

 

            WHEREAS, a preliminary determination hearing has been held in accordance with said notice and Indiana law; now therefore,

 

            BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of School Trustees of the School Corporation preliminarily determines to enter into a lease for the renovation of and improvements to the Anderson High School and Highland High School buildings.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the lease will be for a maximum term of 24 years with a maximum annual lease rental of $3,523,000.  The maximum annual lease rental has been estimated based upon an estimated principal amount of bonds of $40,000,000 and estimated interest rates ranging from 3.75% to 6.50% and total interest costs of $35,912,728.  The School Corporation expects to incur annually $457,000 in operating costs for which a new facilities appeal may be sought and currently expects to appeal for an increased adjusted base levy to pay these estimated costs.  The purpose of the lease is to provide for the renovation of and improvements to the Anderson High School and Highland High School buildings.

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Board of School Trustees is hereby authorized and directed to publish the notice of this preliminary determination in accordance with Indiana law. 

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if a petition pursuant to I.C. 6-1.1-20-3.1 is filed, the Secretary of the Board of School Trustees is hereby authorized to publish a notice of the applicability of the petition and remonstrance process pursuant to Indiana law.

 

            Passed and adopted this 9th day of September, 2003.

 

            On a motion by Mrs. Stewart, seconded by Mr. Millikan, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Preliminary Determination Resolution.

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

 

ANDERSON ELEMENTARY

 

Mr. Richard Banks reported Anderson Elementary up and running and the process for close-out proceeding, and being essentially complete.

 

ERSKINE ELEMENTARY

 

            Mr. Ron Downing, reported the binder in the visitor parking area 75% complete at the Erskine site and stated the project was on schedule even with all the rain experienced recently. 

 

EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY

 

            Mr. Mike Montgomery, reported final plans for the two-phase building site were distributed today for the East Side Elementary School with the bid date of October 9, 2003.  Contractors would be working on-site a short time after the bidding. 

 

HIRING OF OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE

 

Dr. Long recommended Richard Banks to continue employment, as an Owner’s Rep., on the East Side Elementary and high school projects. Mr. Banks’ contract for Anderson Elementary will end at the end of September, 2003.  The monthly fee for this would be $.8,950.00. Dr. Long recommended a twelve-month contract. Mrs. Stewart questioned the following issues: Mr. Banks’ being paid during time off, along with the Board receiving complete reports in a timely manner, and reviewing the work of the contractor should take priority for Mr. Banks.  Mr. Banks reported that if he is absent more than two days from the project, a substitute would do the job at no fee to ACS.  Mr. Banks felt all the listed concerns were valid and was willing to comply. Mrs. Gaither made a motion to approve the hiring of Richard Banks as Owner’s Rep. for the East Side Elementary and high school projects, contingent on the concerns listed above.  Mr. Ault seconded the motion.  The motion passed with five ayes.  Mrs. Jones and Mr. Millikan voted no. 

 

HIRING OF W. R. DUNKIN

 

            Mr. Millikan was not aware of the salary fee for Mr. Dunkin.  Mr. Kevin Brown, Business Manager, reported that fee was negotiated by himself and Dr. Long.  The fee for the East Side Elementary project was set at $575,000. The information was given to the Board at the July 22, 2003 meeting.  Mrs. Stewart reported the average percentage range for fees as between 3.4% to 8-9%, with the Dunkin fee set at between 4-4.5%.   Mr. Ault moved to hire W. R. Dunkin as construction manager for the East Side Elementary School and the high school projects.  Mrs. Chaille seconded.  The voted passed with four ayes, with Mrs. Jones, Mr. Millikan and Mrs. Stewart voting no. 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

            Dr. Long reported on the upcoming Indiana School Boards Association meeting October 9, 2003 in Hagerstown at 6:00 p.m. and invited the Board members participation.

 

RESOLUTION OF APPROPRIATIONS

 

            Mr. Kevin Brown, asked for approval of the following resolution: