QUIET BUT STRONG SUPPORT … Around fifty people were present for the May 17, 2022 North Central School Board meeting, but none took the opportunity to speak. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
Following the emotionally charged April 19, 2022 North Central Board meeting (which can be seen on YouTube as 4-19-22 North Central School Board Meeting), there were close to 50 teachers, parents and local residents present at the May 17, 2022 board meeting.
The majority stayed through the entire meeting despite the fact that the Board held three Executive Sessions, which caused the meeting to last from 6:30 to almost 9 p.m.
No one in the audience accepted the invitation, offered by President Anthony Burnett, to speak during the regular session.
In regular business, the Board heard a presentation on Athletic Ticket Prices for 2022 – 23, from Andrew Mickey. There will be an increase of one dollar to all sports tickets for all seasons; Family passes will go up from $200 to $250; reserved seats go up $10; and the rest are going up $15.
Travis Creek gave a presentation on the Technology Plan for 2022, alerting the board that they are moving to a five-year plan.
They are introducing Kindergarten Chrome books that have touch screens; 3rd grade is also getting Chrome books; 8th graders are getting new computers with Windows installed; With the greater cost they will be now charged $50 per computer.
The school is taking a loss, but the greater speed is necessary. The staff laptops all need to be replaced as they are at the end of those computer lives, and the ECF funding will help cover up to $400 per device.
ECF funding would also cover all but the kindergarten. REAP money will also help pay for all the changes. He thanked a few people for their excellent assistance with technology in the school.
At 6:44 the Board went into Executive Session “for complaints against a public employee.” They came out at 7:26 and at 7:27 went into another Executive Session until 8:13 “for discussion of personnel.” No action was taken after either session.
They went directly into the Treasurer’s report, given by Eric Smeltzer, and the board approved Minutes from the April 19, 2022 meeting; financial statements and investments from April; five year forecast for the FY22 May submission and Appropriation additions
In the Administrator’s report, Superintendent Bill Hanak reported that as of May 13, there were 607 students; there have been five two hour delays and five closures; NWOESC Business Advisory Council/meeting minutes from 3-8-22 were presented; Baccalaureate is scheduled for Wednesday, May 25 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium; Graduation is Sunday, May 29 at 2 p.m. with line up at 1:00.
They need to post a New Intervention Specialist Position (co-teacher) for 22-23 for Gade K or Grade 1. Next regular meeting is scheduled for June 28 at 6:30 p.m.; and the summer food program will run from June through August for ages 1-18.
Andy Morr reported for the Elementary:
-Staff appreciation week was week of May 2 with a number of things going on to honor them
-Ag/FFA day was May 12 and was great success
-Elementary Music Program for grades 4-6 scheduled for May 19 at 6 p.m.
-Field Days were completed and students loved it all.
-Thank you for all subs and aides coming into the elementary building this year and especially Mrs. Oxender for fulltime sub job who is so flexible.
-First grade teachers have a short program planned for their parents on Thursday, May 19
-Pre School and Young 5 will have a similar program on May 20
-Kindergarten Graduation scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 at 1:30 in cafeteria
-Kindergarten Screening is complete and classrooms are established for next school year
The Board report for Jr./Sr. High included:
-Graduation is May 29 in varsity gym at 2:00
-Honor Awards Ceremony is May 23 at 6:30
-Commencement Practice is 8 a.m. on May 23. Seniors will then walk through the elementary halls for a “clap out”.
-Baccalaureate is May 25 at 7 p.m. in auditeria
-Junior High Awards will be May 24 at 2 p.m.
-Band will be participating in the Memorial Day parade
-Congratulations to Mrs. Meyer and students on their presentation of Nifty Fifty’s musical
Andrew Mickey reported that Baseball overall record was 13-6; tournament game was there on May 19; Softball overall record was 7-11; Track BBC champions were Joey Burt and Cam Laney; and JH BBC league met.
The board voted to approve recommendation by Superintendent for Weighted Grades. In Concent Agenda, they approved:
-Employment of Amber Schliesser for JH/HS Science; Tristen Tomblin JH/HS Math; Aaron Mullins Custodial 1 and Bus Driver; and Kim Hutchison van driver; Ludmilla Ford Spanish; Lexi Bly Elementary Cross Categorical Specialist Instructor; Amand Schmidt Intervention Specialist Co-Teacher grade 4; Amanda Doty Gr 7-12 Intervention Specialist Instructor ISI; Amanda Fellers, Pre-school/Pre K Instructor; Chris Fidler HS ISI; Geoff Gilmore HS Math; Sam Hutchinson JH Language Arts; Patrick Doty ISI co teacher 5th & 6th; Lori Masters Pre School; Julie Galloway Pre school ed aide; David Thompson Bus driver; and Cindy Myers Elementary Ed Aide.
-One-year supplemental contracts held by certified employees
-One-year supplemental contracts held by classified employees
-Rescind contract Aaron Mullins Summer Adult custodian
-NWOESC Mentor Program Agreement for 22-23
-NWOESC Teacher and Paraprofessional substitute list dated April 25, 2022
-S.W.A.T. Students working to advance technology, educational field trip to Chicago in June
-HS Cheerleader Advisor one year supplemental contract for Brandie Bailey for 22-23 for both Basketball and Football
-Head Varsity Cross Country Coach one year supplemental contract for Lindsey Eckley
-Head indoor track coach one year supplementall for Doug Faler
-Boys Head Varsity Basketball Coach one year supplemental for Chris Fidler (Council Member Haynes voted no)
-Girls Head Varsity Basketball Coach one-year supplemental for Kim Hutchison
-Head Varsity Volleyball Coach supplemental for Stacy Roth
-Head Varsity Golf Coach one year supp. for Eric Smeltzer
-Head Varsity Football Coach one supp. For Scott Thompson
-A number were tabled until after evaluations are completed.
Before adjourning for the evening, the Board went into Executive Session at 8:43 to discuss Personnel, Employment and Negotiations. No action was taken.
Rebecca can be reached at rebecca@thevillagereporter.com
