MONTPELIER STUDENTS AWARDED … At the February 11, 2020 School Board Meeting, were blessed with applause and gifts as Superintendent Grime and Board Member Kimberly Friend presented them with pride to the family and friends assembled. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
In the midst of the more serious portions of the February 11, 2020 meeting, Montpelier School Board did have some happy moments. Board Member Kimberly Friend made presentations to students for classroom character achievements.
Those honored had family and friends in attendance and received applause along with getting a Loco Coin and a pair of Loco socks, as well as a cap or warm hat of choice. Superintendent Jamison Grime presented the gifts while Mrs. Friend read the warm and encouraging words written by their teachers.
The students who were honored were First grader Holden Miller, Second Grader Liam Hillard, Third Grader Maggie Richmire, Fifth Grader Addison Buehlet, Fifth Grader Hannah Martin, Fifth Grade Jason Lincoln, Junior High student Payden Boothman (not present) and Highschool Freshman Logan Dick.
Also on a very upbeat note, Montpelier resident Chris Kannel informed the board that he was “pleased to announce that with the cooperation of staff and students at Montpelier School” he was able to submit an application to HGTV Hometown Take-Over.
He and Kim Friend worked with the school and “with the support of Dr. Grime and Mrs. Thorpe we reached out to the multimedia class, and through the extraordinary effort of Mrs. Cooley and Mrs. Coleman and eight of their multimedia students, we put together a six minute video that is awesome! It is honest, ambitious and thorough…it is a really excellent representation of what Montpelier is and what we hope to be.”
Kannel continued that he feels the best part of this project is that members of the staff and the students learned more about the community and the community learned more about the schools and the excellent programs in the schools. He stated that he looks forward to continuing conversations about possibilities of working together in the future to promote Montpelier.
He commended Mrs. Cooley and Mrs. Coleman and shared that the video will debut at the Montpelier Chamber Banquet on Tuesday, February 18. The students and their parents have been invited to attend.
The meeting wrapped up with the two Principals giving their reports, which we place here in this account of the meeting.
•Elementary Principal Lance Thorp reported that they are continuing to prepare for state testing; a group of staff members were at the Ohio Education Technology Conference in Columbus during this week; interim reports were scheduled to be sent home on February 12; The K-3 students will have Valentine’s Day Parties on Wednesday, February 12 as there is no school for students on Thursday or Friday; Thursday, February 13 is Parent Teacher Conferences from 12:30-8 pm.
Waiver Day on Friday will include teacher based team meetings, curriculum meetings, an ELA webinar on the new curriculum geared towards writing implementation and teachers will be working on making new PBIS videos to use; Fourth Grade students will have their second lesson from the Wood County Historical Society on Tuesday, February 25; upcoming training for Needs Assessment and OTES (Ohio Teacher Evaluation System); and a plan is in place to help students with the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
Intervention will take place two times a week for the month of March and first two weeks of April prior to state testing. It is anticipated that 5-10 students could use this intervention to help them get ready. Help will be based on need as provided by fall scores along with the terra Nova alternate assessment.
•High School Principal Su Thorp reported that the Junior High teachers spent the day, February 11, at the ESC to be trained and put a plan in place for the implementation the BPIS behavioral system that the Elementary is currently using.
They learned about a behavioral tracking system called SWIS and are planning on implementation by the beginning of the fourth quarter for the JH and HS next school year. Friday during the waiver day, February 14, the teachers are scheduled to meet in departmental groups to discuss curriculum for next school year, and their needs.
They expect that updated curriculum will be needed for Math and are still exploring Science. Current licenses expire at the end of this school year for both subjects. “As a district we continue to look for a K-12 writing curriculum and possibly Social Studies will be the next content area to address for the 21-22 school year,” Thorp said.
The music department will be hosting the Honors Band and Choir Concert on February 23. All Juniors will be taking the ACT on February 25, followed by a pizza lunch and CPR and defibrillator training.
Other important events include With graders will be touring 4CCC on February 26; Musical Freaky Friday will be held March 6-8 and there will be an early release from school on March 13.
Superintendent Grime reported that the metal detectors which were purchased a few months back will be installed during Spring Break.
He also congratulated Mr. Mike Bumb for the accomplishments of the Girls’ Basketball Team, which was followed by applause. He announced that on Friday, Mr. Bible, Mr. Davis and Mr. Grime will be going to NSCC and Stryker School to view their Advanced Trades classes so they can”take our skill trades class to the next level and add some manufacturing things to that.”
The rest of the meeting was spent addressing some issues that have obviously been spoken of at previous meetings, concerning Superintendent Grime. First, President of the Board, Jeremy Clinger, read a statement from the Board.
“Ladies and Gentlemen of the Staff and Community, The board wanted to come together and collectively address the comments, questions and concerns that were expressed at previous meetings, and or conversations. First and foremost, the board appreciates and encourages communications to remain open with everyone in our district. We are elected by and will continue to communicate with you. That being said, we have sought legal council regarding the request around Dr. Grime’s Contract.”
He then read from his phone what he had sent, “Question has been asked that the Board check into our legal obligation regarding Jamie’s employment contract. While we have not entertained challenging this contract in any way, the Teacher’s Union has informed it’s members that we have until March 1st to terminate his contract or have it rescinded. I am looking for a brief letter that speaks to legal parameters of his contract or options, if any, that can or cannot be taken at this point.”
He then proceeded to read Dr. Grime’s written response: “Jeremy, ORC3319.01 governs the employment of superintendents. It states that beginning January 1 of the year preceding the year of the contract through March 1st of the year that the contract expires, the board may take action to renew or non renew the contract of the superintendent.” At this point he read some of the written response in third person, but it appeared to still be from Mr. Grime.
“Jamie’s contract expires July 31, 2020. It is my understanding that in February the Board took action in a public meeting to renew his contract. He agreed to the terms and the contract was signed. In legal vernacular, you have an executory contract wherein the board has bound itself to do something in the future, I.e. employ Jamie as Superintendent for five years and those contracts are binding. That being said, the board cannot rescind the contract just because it happens to fall within the window of renewal or non-renewal still. Let me know if you have any further questions.”
Mr. Clinger then returned to his written statement from the Board: “We believe the board has listened to the complaints and concerns regarding a toxic culture and after engaging in conversations we have had sense at this point we would stand by the decision to renew that contract.”
“There have been and will continue to be suggestions for change when the need arises. We have heard from community and staff members that disagree with and/or that condemn actions with administration.”
“We have also heard from staff and community members that have seen positive changes, culture becoming better and support the current Administration. It has been very stressful and a time consuming few months and while some insist there have been no change, there have been at least an equal amount that say there has been. “
“This makes it very difficult as a Board Member to pick sides and we must try to do our best to remain impartial, listen to the facts and do our due diligence on all sides. There are avenues to report wrong-doings, yet there has not been one report made even though that has been advised that take place that there is a clear grievance.”
“We have been approached with accusations of bullying and retaliation by the MEA not working in the best interest and in fact keeping things from members as well. We have been approached with accusations against the Administration involving the same.”
“At this point it is our opinion that pettiness is driving the majority of current complaints and complications on all sides. Emotions are running high and it is showing. What is best for our children and our community should be our priority; Getting better for the sake of getting better than we were yesterday, To minimize the criticism and the negative picture on our schools and town.”
“Having heard conversations across the board, will compromise be hard? Yes, no question about it. However everyone working together instead of everyone working against each other, for the sake of their own agendas, that is what will make a difference. “
“At this point no one is doing our children a favor. We are actually working against them when we can’t compromise and find a middle ground to improve our relationships at our school. In Conclusion, there is not a person in this community, this school or this Board that should not be held accountable, therefore minimizing a toxic culture that remains for some but not for others.
As a Board we will continue to ask questions, do our research and keep others accountable. We need to come together to make this work, whatever that looks like. “
“The Board will continue to do our due diligence for our staff, our community and most importantly our children. We pray that you join us in coming up with a viable solution and watch as lessons learned from our past few months pave the way for greatness. We all need each other right now. Lets not lose sight of that. Montpelier School Board.”
Clinger took his seat and public participation began. Following the good news from Mr. Chris Kannel, the rest of the public participation focused on the situation which Mr. Klinger addressed in the letter from the Board. In the interest of space, we enter all comments in condensed from here, and without names attached as there were so many commenters and most did not say their names before speaking.
•Gentleman spoke up for Dr. Grime as a man of integrity and good character. They have disagreed in the past but everyone needs to be adult and move on. He feels that good has happened since Mr. Grime came.
•Gentleman shared that he attended his first board meeting last month and appreciated the openness, and questions and answer time. Said he was frustrated that there were no answers. So he asked some questions: 1. 5 p.m. start time?
•Response from Board Member, Nate Rose – it has been that way for a long time; Superintendent Grime said that there is no perfect start time and they all present issues. Rose said that he researched and many area schools hold it around 5 or 5:30. It can be addressed again in the future.
•Question 2. – What about the surveys that the teachers were given. (He stated that the website is almost unnavigable.)
•Response from Rose – He addressed Mayor Yagelski who brought it up at the previous meeting. He said that the conversations with the teachers were taken into Executive Sessions. The 90 days was fulfilled.
•Clinger added that Survey was maybe a wrong word. It was a few questions that were poignant gaging questions to lead to conversations.
•Question 3. – will the results be released?
•Response from Rose – No. They had told teachers it would all be private.
•Clinger added that they were done in a way to honor that.
•Question 4 – what about meeting minutes availability
•Response from CFO/Treasurer Carla Rice – it depends on when she can get to it. The last month’s didn’t get up until the Friday before the meeting because she had been ill.
•Questioner response – he checked and it is supposed to be seven days legally
•Rice explained that she does do them normally within seven days so there is no problem. She has no back up.
•Questioner response – it shouldn’t be so hard to find the minutes.
•Rose told the group that they should have had some responses at the last meeting.
•Next person asked – As the School Board you are supposed to renew contracts in connection with a review. When was his last review? And what was the thought process of renewing his contract 18 months prior to a review?
•Response from Rose – review was done in Dec. 2018 and renewed in February. He is due one right now. This is his fourth renewal done 18 months in advance, which is a consistent method across all boards.
•She mentioned concern that it was not tabled even though that was raised.
•Citizen- Who initiates the contract renewal?
•Response – Clinger – explained that the one year window is kept because it precipitates life changes. The Board initiates it and the Superintendent types up the Agenda and it is put in it. He mentioned other superintendents who have long spaces as well.
•Question 2 – Were you aware that there were issues going on when you renewed the contract?
•Clinger – yes. He did not feel it was “actionable”
•She stated that it is more than a few teachers who are struggling. She read a statement that was frustrations that nothing is being done. She encouraged the board to look into “pausing it.”
•Another citizen brought up about who puts it on the agenda, again.
•Grime compiles it, but he puts on what the Board approved in Executive Session, the month before.
•She stated how them being behind computers at the meetings feels rude to her.
•Rose explained that they are using them for the meeting notes and apologized if it appears disrespectful. When everything went digital they did.
•Gentleman – as a new resident just three years ago, and a solid supporter of another school district, he encouraged everyone to not be petty, that good things are happening at Montpelier for his kids and he is more than please with it. He thanked the Board for what they do.
•Another lady responded – she spoke up for the teachers and how hard it is to be bullied and to be targeted. Her statement was that they are standing up for the teachers because they can’t stand up for themselves.
•Gentleman replied – he doesn’t have answers for bullying but he has been shocked by how Grime and others have been bullied and attacked with horrible names and words on Social Media. Bullying goes both ways.
•Another lady responded – there are people sitting in this room that have bullied our boys but we didn’t bring it to the public because we didn’t want to go there. Heads should have rolled. People should have been fired. We have great teachers and we must stand with them.
•Rose stepped in the midst of a verbal back and forth and the meeting moved on.
•Another lady addressed her huge concern that the size of the first, second and third grade classes needs to be lowered. “I beg you next year…Please, keep the grades low!”
•Male teacher – speaking as a teacher here, I have to thank Dr. Grime for bringing me here. If they are hearing both sides, are we still basing this off last year’s “survey” or are they from the last couple months? This year was the first time he had an issue.
•Response from Clinger – that is the idea behind mediation. It helps identify issues, establish a foundation. For it to work it has to be from everyone. We must be forced into hard conversations. In the past 90 days the Board reached out to a lot of people.
•Rose shared that the Board is letting teachers come to them.
•Mayor Yagelski shared that he needs some changes made in last month’s minutes. He also asked for a list of the Board Policies.
•Questions from a lady about the Minutes – she asked that the wording be changed in last month’s minutes concerning what she said. She was not irritated. As she went through the rest of the minutes she saw other things that were not ever spoken about in public.
•Rice said it was a report Grime gave her that he had read from.
•Grime shared it was his bullet points and the lady said only the ones he spoke of should be in the minutes, not the whole list.
•Gentleman from beginning asked if they could change the minutes from January before approving them.
•Later in the meeting, when it came time to approve the January minutes, it was agreed to Table them until they could be corrected, specifically regarding something about Yagelski’s comments at that meeting and also the list from Dr. Grime.
Board Member Kimberly Friend stated that once it is revised it would be put back on the website in revised format. A resident pointed out that numbers 3 and 11 were discussed, so the whole list should not be removed.
When there were no longer any of the public desiring to speak, Grime moved on to the Legislative Report given by Board Member Shawn Owen. Owen reported that the Ohio House passed Senate Bill 89, votes 88-7, with some amendments to the Ed Voucher program and the stress commission laws. He gave some more detailed information about vouchers. He said they will be monitoring that to see how it would affect Montpelier students.
In Rice’s Treasurer’s report, she informed the Board that there has been a 5% increase in Income Tax over same time last year. They are on track to receive over 2% during February.
Real Estate Values dropped 1% overall which will affect fiscal years 20-21. Dr. Grime and she will be meeting with the budget commission at the end of the month. She said that some of the investments have gone down but she is taking advantage of smaller investments presently.
Financial Report items were approved:
•the financial reports of the month of January, 2020 as presented, Cash Reconsiliation, FINSUM, Check Register, Budget Vs. Actual report, and investment Report
•Accept the following Donations: $10,290 from Montpelier Music Booters to Band trip; $45 from Jane Garvin to Home Krouse Memorial; $75 from Olde Time Holiday Gathering To Archery Club; From Chase Children’s Holiday Party – $500 to Wrestling Account, $500 to Girls Basketball Account and $500 to Boys Basketball Account; $2,025 from New Hope Community Church to Food Service Fund.
•The increase/decrease in the Amended Certificate as presented for various funds.
•Increase/decrease in reduction in appropriations as presented for various funds
•New fund and special cost centers, Fund 499 9920, BWC Safety Grant FY2020 and Fund 200 9655, Skilled Trades Class Fund
•Fund to fund transfer in the amount of $3,001 from the Jass Band/Music Trip Fund (300 9460) to the Music Program Uniform Fund
•Resolution accepting the Amounts and Rates as determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies and Certifying them to the County Auditor
•Motion to approve The Financial Report items 9.1-9.7
Dr. Grime then received approval from the Board for the following:
•Monica Brigle to tutor a home bound student at $21 per hour, effective January 29, 2020, with time sheet to be submitted for the 2019-20 school year
•Joseph Brigle as Head Football Coach for the 2020-21 school year (Mrs. Friend voted No as she believes it is a conflict of interest)
•Motion to approve Employment of Certificated Staff items 10.1 and 10.2
•Kathro Yoder as a substitute aide for Bailey Dohm, who is attending Four County Career Center, beginning January 16, 2020 and ending February 14, 2020 at $105 per day and will be turning in timesheet for the 2019-20 school year.
•Supplemental contract for Barbara Figgins as a JH track coach for the 2019-20 school year
•Accept the resignation of Karleen Carothers, Cheer Advisor, effective January 29, 2020
•Motion to approve the Employment of Classified Staff.
The board also approved putting a notice in local papers concerning that they plan “to hold a public meeting on the issue of retire rehire of Diann Sanders, transportation supervisor, held on April 14, 2020 at 4:45 p.m. in the choir room at the Montpelier High School.”
The meeting adjourned as the Board went into Executive Session for Item A which is “The appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of an employee or the investigation of charges or complaint against an employee, official, licensee or student.”
Rebecca may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com